Our Reporter, Abuja
The 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Gregory Obi, has expressed his sorrow over the passing of the Catholic pontiff, Pope Francis, who passed on at the Vatican on Easter Monday.
Obi, a staunch member of the Catholic church, in a statement titled, “Pope Francis: a Moral Compass in a Troubled world,” said the death of the Holy Father marked the end of another era in the spiritual and moral leadership of the Catholic church.
Obi who said he had the privilege of meeting the Pope three times in his lifetime described the pontiff as embodying the virtues of faith, hope, and compassion.
“He led with humility, spoke with wisdom, and acted with moral courage. He constantly strove to draw humanity closer to the ideals of peace, justice, and love. His deep concern for the poor, his steadfast advocacy for moral leadership, and his defence of human dignity earned him the admiration of people across all faiths and nations,” Obi said.
Below is the full text of Peter Obi’s tribute:
“Pope Francis: a Moral Compass in a Troubled world
“I received with profound sorrow the news of the passing of the Holy Father, Pope Francis. His death marks the end of another era in the spiritual and moral leadership of the Catholic Church and the wider world.
“Throughout his life and pontificate – during which I had the privilege of meeting him on three occasions – Pope Francis embodied the virtues of faith, hope, and compassion. He led with humility, spoke with wisdom, and acted with moral courage. He constantly strove to draw humanity closer to the ideals of peace, justice, and love. His deep concern for the poor, his steadfast advocacy for moral leadership, and his defence of human dignity earned him the admiration of people across all faiths and nations.
“As a member of the Scholas Occurrences Foundation, founded by Pope Francis, I deeply appreciate his belief in education, dialogue, and youth empowerment as vital instruments for building a more just and compassionate world.
“Pope Francis devoted his life to the service of God and humanity. His legacy will live on not only in the hearts of the faithful but also in the global conscience he helped shape with grace, clarity, and conviction. In an age marked by division and uncertainty, his voice remained a steady call to unity, mercy, and justice.
“On behalf of myself, my family and millions of Nigerians who found inspiration in his teachings and example, I extend my heartfelt condolences to the universal Church. May God, in His infinite mercy, grant eternal rest to his gentle soul and guide the Church he so lovingly shepherded. -PO”
