Vatican Visit Not Political, Obi Clarifies

The Labour Party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 general elections, Mr Peter Obi has clarified that his visit to the Vatican to attend Pope Leo XIV’s inauguration ceremony was purely personal and not politically motivated.

LEADERSHIP reports that President Bola Tinubu, Obi, and former Ekiti State governor, Dr Kayode Fayemi met briefly during Pope Leo’s installation mass on Sunday.

The trio’s images circulated widely on social media after being shared by presidential aide, Bayo Onanuga on X (formerly Twitter).

In a statement on Monday via his official X handle, Obi described the trip as a deeply reflective experience and urged the public not to interpret it 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.

“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,” he said.

Obi also clarified that he did not attend the Papal Audience or meet Pope Leo XIV personally, noting that the audience was exclusively 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 attendees’ willingness to act on the Pope’s message.

“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,” Obi stated.

Obi called on Nigerians in positions of authority to commit to building a more just, compassionate, and prosperous nation.