Peter Obi, a presidential hopeful in Nigeria, on Monday, May 19, said he is back from his trip to Rome, Italy.

Legit.ng reports that Obi, an opposition figure in the West African nation, was among the prominent personalities from around the world who witnessed Pope Leo XIV's inauguration mass on Sunday, May 18.

President Bola Tinubu met with the new pope and shook hands with the religious leader. However, Obi could not.

In a social media post shared on his verified X (formerly Twitter) handle, which he personally signed, Obi said the foreign trip "was a deeply solemn and reflective visit", and "never a political event".

He said:

"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, the former Anambra state governor said he did not attend the Papal Audience and therefore did not have the opportunity to meet Pope Leo personally.

Obi clarified:

"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."

Back from the Vatican

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… pic.twitter.com/eVOnkLrAU3

— Peter Obi (@PeterObi) May 19, 2025