Chidi Matthew Nwachukwu

Former presidential aspirant and Labour Party Chieftain, Peter Obi, has expressed deep grief over the passing of the Supreme Pontiff, Pope Francis, whose death was announced this morning, 21st April, 2025, by the Vatican.

Taking to his X (formerly Twitter) handle, Obi described the Pope’s death as “the end of another era in the spiritual and moral leadership of the Catholic Church and wider world,” adding that the Pope, whom he was privileged to have met on three occasions, embodied great virtues and compassion throughout his life.

He went on to eulogize the late spiritual leader, and highlighted the positive impact he made through drawing humanity closer to the ideals of peace, justice and love, showing deep concern for the poor, advocating for moral leadership, and defending human dignity, which according to Obi, earned the late Pope the admiration of the whole 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,” stated Obi.

The remaining part of the tweet reads:

“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,” stated the former Anambra Governor.

Pope Francis, who was born Jorge Mario Bergoglio, on 17th December, 1936, was the first Argentine and Latin American to occupy the papal seat. He was ordained Pope following the resignation of Pope Benedict XVI (Joseph Cardinal Ratzinger) in 2013.

He suffered severe respiratory conditions in his twilight days and got slightly better only recently. Following a sharp relapse, he died this morning, Easter Monday, at Domus Sanctae Marthae, his official residence, at the age of 88.