Just back from Rome where world leaders and Catholics gathered to celebrate an inauguration mass with the new pope Leo XIV, Presidential candidate of the Labour Party in 2023 general elections Mr. Peter Obi has clapped back at his critics.
In a statement signed by him on his X account he emphasized that internalizing the homily exhorted by the pope remains the most important aspect of the mass and not shaking of the pope’s hands, urging those who did so to be renewed to fight corruption and hunger in Nigeria.
In his words, “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. 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.
After the inaugural Mass, I did not attend the Papal Audience and therefore did not have the opportunity to meet the Holy Father personally. That honour was reserved for heads of state and accredited diplomats. For those who desire such an encounter, the Papal Audience continues traditionally.
What should truly command our attention, however, is the content and moral force contained in the Pope’s homily, particularly his urgent call to fight poverty and promote a spirit of brotherhood that transcends ethnic, political, and religious boundaries. The deeper meaning of the gathering lies not in ceremonial gestures, but in whether those present internalised his message and will return with the resolve to act.
The fight against corruption is the essential first step toward building societies where resources are directed to what truly matters – education, healthcare, poverty alleviation, and infrastructure. These should be our major concern and the lasting message we carry home from the Vatican. May we, in whatever station we occupy, rise to the task of building a more just, compassionate, and prosperous nation”.
Recall that a section of Nigerians, especially supporters of President Bola Tinubu had ‘mocked’ Peter Obi for not being allowed into the VVIP room where the pope met with his very special guests including President Tinubu, but Peter Obi who admitted not shaking the pope however said that meeting the pope remains an everyday affair and anyone can always meet the pope.