Peter Obi prays for new Nigeria during pilgrimage to Rome” />
Peter Obi, the Labour Party‘s presidential candidate in the 2023 elections, has urged Nigerians to maintain unwavering faith and embrace collective responsibility amid the country’s ongoing political, social, and economic trials.
Following his recent visits to the United States and Rome, Obi revealed that he seized the moment to present Nigeria’s challenges before God, praying earnestly for national unity, peace, and accountable governance.
During his U.S. tour, Obi spoke at the Friendship Club on Saturday, October 4, and participated in the inaugural Ubuntu African Youth Assembly in Washington the next day, before traveling to Rome to reunite with his wife.
The timing of their pilgrimage was significant, coinciding with the Catholic Church’s Jubilee Year-a sacred observance celebrated every 25 years. Obi and his wife dedicated their prayers to the restoration and rejuvenation of Nigeria.
“We expressed profound gratitude to God for preserving our unity as a nation despite our differences and the numerous obstacles encountered over sixty-five years of independence,” Obi reflected.
While in Rome, the couple visited the city’s four principal Papal Basilicas-St. Mary Major, St. Paul Outside the Walls, St. John Lateran, and St. Peter’s Basilica-passing through each Holy Door and invoking divine mercy for Nigeria’s future.
At St. Paul Outside the Walls, they were warmly welcomed by Cardinal James Harvey, who escorted them through the Holy Door and elaborated on the Jubilee Year’s spiritual importance.
The pilgrimage culminated with Obi and his wife attending the Papal General Audience at St. Peter’s Basilica, where they absorbed Pope Leo XIV’s teachings on hope, resilience, and faith amid hardship. Subsequently, they were granted a private audience with the Pope, during which Obi requested prayers for Nigeria’s wellbeing.
“Throughout our journey, we encountered numerous Nigerian pilgrims-devout men and women whose serene expressions reflected steadfast hope,” Obi shared. “Together, we reaffirmed our confidence in God’s mercy and the vision of a brighter Nigeria.”
Emphasizing the balance between spiritual faith and practical effort, Obi encouraged Nigerians to pair their prayers with proactive deeds.
“Faith is not a substitute for action; rather, it inspires us to act. Each of us must contribute with integrity, dedication, and compassion to foster our nation’s healing and advancement,” he concluded.
Photo caption: Peter Obi and his wife, Margaret, during their private audience with His Holiness, Pope Leo XIV, at the Vatican City.