Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, has addressed why he didn’t meet Pope Leo XIV in person during the recent special mass at the Vatican.
Obi attended the inauguration of Pope Leo XIV, the new leader of the Roman Catholic Church, an event attended by many world leaders including Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu.
While President Tinubu, who is Muslim, was among the few guests allowed a personal greeting with the Pope, Obi did not have the same opportunity.
Some critics online mocked Obi for this, pointing out the irony that a committed Catholic like him didn’t meet the Pope, while the Muslim president did.
Obi responded on social media, explaining that only heads of state and accredited diplomats were invited to the private Papal Audience, and he was not part of that group.
He said his visit was meant to be solemn and reflective, not political, and emphasized the importance of the Pope’s message about fighting poverty, corruption, and promoting unity beyond ethnic or religious differences.
Obi urged Nigerians to focus on these bigger issues rather than the ceremonial details.
A video from the event also showed Seyi Tinubu, the president’s son, being stopped from approaching the Pope, even though President Tinubu was welcomed.
This raised questions since Seyi holds no official government role but often travels with his father on official trips.
