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

This was made known in a statement shared on his X (formerly Twitter) on Wednesday.

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.

Sharing photos Obi wrote, “Today, I joined Francis Cardinal Arinze, global dignitaries, and thousands of mourners at St. Peter’s Basilica, Rome, to pay my final respects to His Holiness, Pope Francis, who passed away on April 21. The solemn lying-in-state ceremony was a moment of deep reflection, as the world bids farewell to a man who embodied humility, simplicity, and selfless service.

“Pope Francis was more than a Pontiff; he was a moral light in a world darkened by inequality and indifference. His life was a testament to leadership as a sacred duty, one rooted in compassion, truth, and service to the poor and marginalised. He lived for others, spoke for the voiceless, and reminded us all that leadership must be about lifting others, not self-exaltation.

“I came to truly appreciate what he stood for after my appointment as a member of Scholars Occultantes – an international circle of thinkers he founded during his time as Archbishop. The organisation, dedicated to truth, ethical leadership, and social transformation, gave me a deeper insight into the intellectual and moral force behind his teachings.

“I was blessed to meet Pope Francis on three occasions. Each encounter left a lasting impression. He radiated peace and inspired faith, and his presence was a quiet yet powerful reminder of the divine responsibility that leadership entails. His humility was infectious, his vision deeply human.

“As we mourn this great soul, I urge political, religious, and community leaders, especially across Africa, to reflect on his life and commit to the values he upheld: justice, peace, and human dignity. Let this moment not just be one of mourning, but a call to lead with conscience, walk with the people, and govern with love.

“May Pope Francis’ soul rest in perfect peace, and may his legacy live on in all who seek to serve humanity selflessly.”

Pope Francis died on Monday at the age of 88, marking the end of a papacy defined by humility, reform, and a deep commitment to the marginalised.

PUNCH Online reports that the Holy See Press Office disclosed that the funeral of Pope Francis will take place on Saturday, April 26, 2025, at 10am in St. Peter’s Square.