Peter Obi Visits Pope Leo XIV, Seeks Divine Mercy for Nigeria During Holy Pilgrimage to Rome

During his recent journey to the United States and Rome, Labour Party leader Peter Obi dedicates prayers for Nigeria’s unity, peace, and good governance, urging citizens to combine faith with responsible action.

Former Anambra State Governor and Labour Party presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, has shared insights into his recent spiritual journey spanning the United States and Rome, describing it as a time of reflection and intercession for Nigeria’s healing and renewal.

In a detailed account released on Sunday, October 12, 2025,Obi explained that his two-day visit to the U.S. began with an address to the Friendship Club on Saturday, October 4, followed by a speech at the First Ubuntu African Youth Assembly in Washington, D.C., on Sunday, October 5. Later that night, he departed for Rome to join his wife, who was already there in anticipation of their pilgrimage.

Obi stated that the visit to Rome coincided with the Jubilee Year, a significant Catholic observance held every 25 years, marked by prayer, forgiveness, and renewal. “My dearest wife and I chose to dedicate our prayers to Nigeria,” he said, noting their deep gratitude for the country’s continued unity despite decades of challenges. “We thanked God that, despite our differences and the many challenges faced over sixty-five years of independence, He has kept us together as one nation—a rare and profound blessing,” Obi wrote.

Prayers for Forgiveness and Leadership Renewal: Obi said he and his wife also prayed for divine mercy, national forgiveness, and the emergence of selfless, compassionate leaders.

“We implored God to inject into our political landscape leaders whose hearts He would touch—truthful in word and deed, altruistic in service, and committed to the common good,” he added.

He emphasized that Nigeria’s progress depends not only on divine intervention but also on citizens’ moral responsibility. “Faith does not absolve us of responsibility; it calls us to action,” Obi stated, urging Nigerians to remain honest, diligent, and community-minded in rebuilding the nation.

Pilgrimage Through the Four Holy Doors: The couple’s pilgrimage included visits to the four major Papal Basilicas in Rome, where they prayed for mercy and peace for Nigeria.

On Tuesday, October 7, they began their spiritual journey at St. Mary Major Basilica, passing through the Holy Door and reflecting at the tomb of the late Pope Francis. They then proceeded to St. Paul Outside the Walls, where Cardinal James Harvey received them and shared the basilica’s history and the meaning of the Jubilee Year.

Their third stop was St. John Lateran Basilica, dedicated to Saints John the Baptist and John the Evangelist, before concluding the day at the Scala Sancta (Holy Steps)—believed to be the staircase Jesus ascended before Pontius Pilate.

Audience with Pope Leo XIV: On Wednesday, October 8, Obi attended the Papal General Audience at St. Peter’s Basilica, where Pope Leo XIV (@Pontifex) delivered a catechesis on hope and perseverance during difficult times. The couple completed their pilgrimage by passing through the final Holy Door and later had a private audience with the Pope.

“We humbly appealed for prayers for our beloved country, Nigeria,” Obi revealed, adding that he met several Nigerian pilgrims in Rome, whose faith and optimism strengthened his hope for national renewal.

Concluding his reflection, Obi reaffirmed his belief in divine providence and human responsibility. “As we lift our nation before God, we must not surrender to fatalism. A new Nigeria is possible,” he declared.

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