Peter Obi greets Tinubu in Rome at Pope Leo XIV's inauguration
Former presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi has exchanged greetings with President Bola Tinubu at Pope Leo XIV’s inauguration on Sunday, May 18.
The duo met in Rome at the invitation of the Vatican, following the recent election of Pope Leo XIV by the College of Cardinals, making him the 267th Pontiff and Bishop of Rome
Obi, in a statement titled “A Shared Journey of Faith: Kayode Fayemi and I at the Vatican” on his verified “X” page, noted that he was pleased to see the diverse gathering of world leaders and pilgrims who came in faith and unity.
He said, “Today, Dr. John Kayode Fayemi and I stood once again beneath the majestic dome of St. Peter’s Basilica for the inauguration of Pope Leo XIV, evoking memories of our presence here as Governors in 2013 for the inauguration of Pope Francis – a deeply significant moment for the Church and the world.
“Over the years, I have returned to this sacred place on several occasions, including as part of Nigeria’s official delegation to the canonisations of Pope John Paul II and Mother Teresa. Through my involvement with Scholas Occurrentes, the global initiative founded by Pope Francis, I have also participated in various efforts promoting education, peace, and intercultural dialogue.
“Today’s event was particularly special, as it marked the beginning of a new papacy. I exchanged warm greetings with President Bola Tinubu and was pleased to see the diverse gathering of world leaders and pilgrims who came in faith and unity.
“What stood out most was the Holy Father’s profoundly moving homily, especially his heartfelt appeal for us to journey together towards God by embracing the poor, the suffering, and the forgotten.
“He spoke with a clarity that pierced the heart: that the true measure of our love for God lies not in grand declarations, but in the quiet, persistent acts of compassion that uplift the vulnerable and restore dignity to the marginalised.
“May this clarion call to confront poverty be embraced by our leaders. For my part, I offered earnest prayers to God for our nation and also renewed my commitment to championing bold and sustained investment in the critical sectors – especially education, healthcare delivery and pulling people out of poverty – believing that a well-educated population is the foundation upon which a just, inclusive, and prosperous nation must be built.”
