The Labour Party’s Directorate of Mobilization and Integration (DMI) has called on Nigerian leaders to emulate the unifying spirit and moral leadership exemplified by the late Pope Francis.

World leaders are currently gathered in Rome to pay their final respects to Pope Francis, a global figure whose many said his moral leadership transcended borders, faiths, and political divides.

Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, led a high-level Nigerian delegation to attend the funeral in Vatican City. The delegation also includes the Minister of State, Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu Ojukwu; President of the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria, Archbishop Lucius Iwejuru Ugorji; Archbishop of Sokoto Diocese, Archbishop Matthew Hassan Kukah; and Archbishop of Abuja Diocese, Archbishop Ignatius Ayua Kaigama.

Following three days of solemn commemorations from April 23rd to 25th, where millions of ordinary people filled the streets of Rome with prayers, songs, and silent reflection, today’s event marked a more formal farewell.

Heads of state, diplomats, and dignitaries from around the world came together to honor the life and influence of a man described not only as a shepherd of faith but as a conscience for humanity.

Delivering his tributes, Director General of the DMI, Marcel Ngogbehei, urged political leaders in Nigeria to draw lessons from the life of the late pontiff, whose influence transcended religious, racial, and political divides.

He described Pope Francis as a rare leader who, despite not holding political office, governed hearts and minds across the globe through compassion, humility, and courage.

“Last week was for the masses. Today belongs to the world stage, to the leaders of nations, the stewards of policy, and the architects of the global future”, he said.

Ngogbehei recalled how Pope Francis courageously spoke at climate conferences, challenged economic systems that marginalized the poor, and addressed world parliaments with urgency rather than platitudes.

“In him, we found not a pope of convenience, but a pope of conscience. The kind of leadership we yearn for in our dear country Nigeria.”

Ngogbehei emphasized that Pope Francis’ message and exemplary life was not confined to Catholics alone but extended to the whole world. (The Guardian)