Former Governor of Anambra State and Labour Party presidential candidate in the 2023 general election, Mr. Peter Obi, joined dignitaries and global leaders on Sunday at the Vatican for the historic inauguration of Pope Leo XIV, the 267th Bishop of Rome.
In a moment of shared memory and faith, Obi once again stood alongside Dr. Kayode Fayemi, former Governor of Ekiti State, inside the iconic St. Peter’s Basilica, 10 years after both men attended the inauguration of Pope Francis in 2013.
Writing on his X handle, Obi said: “It was a deeply spiritual moment. Dr. Fayemi and I stood beneath the same dome, remembering our journey as governors, and now as fellow believers witnessing another sacred transition in the Catholic Church.”
Peter Obi and Fayemi are staunch Catholics and Papal Knights.
Obi, who has maintained strong ties with the Vatican through his involvement with Scholas Occurrentes, a global initiative promoting education and peace, described Sunday’s event as more than ceremonial—it was a call to action.
He reflected on the Holy Father’s inaugural message, which he described as “piercing in its simplicity and urgency.” Pope Leo XIV called on world leaders to walk with the poor and uplift the forgotten, stressing that true faith is expressed through action, not words.
“The Holy Father reminded us that the greatest service we can offer is to restore dignity to the vulnerable,” Obi said. “It is a call I take seriously.”
Obi also exchanged warm greetings with President Bola Tinubu, expressing hope that the spirit of unity witnessed at the Vatican would translate into compassion-driven leadership back home.
“I prayed for our nation and renewed my commitment to building a Nigeria where every child has access to quality education, healthcare, and opportunity,” Obi added. “We must invest in our people. That is the only path to a truly prosperous and inclusive nation.”
Closing his reflections, Obi emphasised: “In moments like this, we are reminded of what binds us together as humans. A new Nigeria is not just a dream—it is within reach. A new Nigeria is POssible.”
