A day after world leaders gathered at the Holy See for the inauguration ceremony of Pope Leo XIV, the new head of the Catholic Church, the Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, explained why he did not meet the Pope.

During the event, Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and other world leaders shook hands with the Pope, who hosted the Papal Audience on Sunday.

However, Obi, a former Anambra State governor, said he did not meet with the Pope because the Papal Audience was reserved for heads of state and diplomats.

“After the inaugural Mass, I did not attend the Papal Audience and therefore did not have the opportunity to meet the Holy Father personally,” he noted.

“That honour was reserved for heads of state and accredited diplomats. For those who desire such an encounter, the Papal Audience continues traditionally.”

He urged Nigerians to reflect on the content of the Pope’s homily, which calls on the world to promote a spirit of brotherhood that transcends ethnic, political, and religious boundaries.

Obi noted that fighting against corruption and utilising resources to strengthen education, healthcare, poverty alleviation, and infrastructure should be prioritised.