Presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 general elections, Peter Obi, returned from a solemn visit to the Vatican, where he attended the recent inauguration ceremony held by the Holy See.
Obi, in a statement on Monday via X, described the trip as deeply reflective and clarified that his participation in the ceremony was not political and should not be interpreted through a political lens.
“I have just returned from the Vatican, and it was a deeply solemn and reflective visit. My participation in the inauguration ceremony was in line with my previous witnessing of inaugurations, swearing-ins, and official ceremonies across the world — this was no exception,” he said.
He added, “Such occasions carry profound moral and spiritual significance. This was never a political event and should remain untouched by politics. Some moments are best reserved for quiet contemplation.”
Obi noted that he did not attend the Papal Audience and, as such, did not meet Pope Francis personally. He explained that the audience was reserved for heads of state and accredited diplomats.
“What should truly command our attention, however, is the content and moral force contained in the Pope’s homily,” Obi said, referring to the Pope’s call to fight poverty and promote a spirit of brotherhood beyond ethnic, political, and religious divides.
He emphasised that the deeper value of the gathering should not be seen in ceremonial participation but in the willingness of attendees to act on the Pope’s message.
