Former Governor of Anambra State and 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, joined thousands of mourners, global dignitaries, and clergy yesterday at St. Peter’s Basilica, Vatican City, to pay his final respects to the late Pope Francis, who died on April 21.

The solemn lying-in-state ceremony marked the beginning of a series of events leading to the funeral of the revered Pontiff, scheduled for Saturday, April 26. Pope Francis’s coffin will lie in state for public viewings for the next three days.

The solemn procession to the basilica marked the start of a three-day period for the faithful to pay their respects ahead of Saturday’s funeral mass. Pope Francis’ funeral mass will be held at 10am on Saturday in St Peter’s Square, the Vatican announced.

Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re will preside over the mass, joined by clergy from around the world.World leaders, cardinals and crowds of pilgrims are expected to flock to the Vatican for Pope Francis’ funeral.

Describing the moment as one of deep reflection, Obi paid tribute to the Pope’s life of humility, service, and unwavering commitment to the poor and marginalised. He recalled his encounters with the late Pope, highlighting the profound impact they had on his understanding of leadership and moral responsibility. Obi also shared his experience as a member of Scholars Occultantes, an international think-tank founded by the Pope during his tenure as Archbishop, focused on ethical leadership and truth-driven social transformation.He further called on leaders across Africa, political, religious, and community, to emulate the values Pope Francis championed which he said were justice, peace, and human dignity.