The 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Mr. Peter Obi, has described the late Catholic Pontiff, Pope Francis, as a moral compass in a troubled world.
Obi, a former governor of Anambra State, expressed deep sorrow over the Pope’s passing in a condolence message shared on his official X handle.
The Pope died at the age of 88 on Easter Monday, marking the end of a significant era in both the spiritual and moral leadership of the Catholic Church and the global community.
Reflecting on his personal encounters with the late Pope, Obi said he had the privilege of meeting him on three occasions and was always struck by his embodiment of faith, hope, and compassion. He described Pope Francis as a leader who governed with humility, spoke with wisdom, and acted with moral courage.
He wrote on X:
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
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… pic.twitter.com/BfwmmhDBNl
— Peter Obi (@PeterObi) April 21, 2025
