Labour’s 2023 presidential candidate Mr. Peter Obi described the late Catholic Pope Francis as a moral compass in a troubled world.
Obi, formerly the former governor of Anambra State, was deeply saddened by the passes from the condolence message the pope shared on his official X handle.
The Pope passed away on Easter Monday at the age of 88, marking the end of a major era of spiritual and moral leadership for the Catholic Church and the global community.
Obi reflects on his personal encounter with the late Pope, who was fortunate to meet him three times and is always shocked by the manifestation of his faith, hope and compassion. He described Pope Francis as the leader, who spoke humble, wisely, and acted with moral courage.
He wrote on X:
Pope Francis: The moral compass in a troubled world. I received the news from the Holy Father Pope Francis with deep sorrow. His death marks the end of another era of spiritual and moral leadership in the Catholic Church and the wider world
Three times in his life I saw his privilege – Pope Francis embodies the virtues of faith, hope and compassion. He leads with humility, speaks with wisdom, and acts with moral courage. He constantly strives to bring humanity closer to the ideals of peace, justice and love. His deep attention to the poor, his unwavering moral leadership, and his defense of human dignity have made him admire people of all faiths and nations.
As a member of the Scholas Event Foundation, founded by Pope Francis, I am very grateful to his belief in education, dialogue and empowering youth as an important tool for building a more just and compassionate world.
Pope Francis is committed to serving God and mankind. His legacy will not only continue in the hearts of believers, but also the global conscience shaped by His grace, clarity and faith. In an age marked by division and uncertainty, his voice remains a call for stability to unity, mercy, and justice.
My family and millions of Nigerians represent themselves, found inspiration in his teachings and examples, and I express my heartfelt condolences to the Global Church. May God give eternal rest in infinite mercy and guide him to the church that he so kindly shepherded. -po
Pope Francis: The moral compass in a troubled world.
I received the news from the Holy Father Pope Francis with deep sorrow. His death marked the end of another era in the spiritual and moral leadership of the Catholic Church and the wider world.
In his whole… pic.twitter.com/bfwmmhdbnl
– Parents Peter (@piterrob) April 21, 2025