Title: PETER OBI DENIED ACCESS TO POPE LEO XIV DURING VATICAN VISIT DESPITE CARDINAL ARINZE'S INTERVENTION Date Published: 19 May 2025 Description:  Former Labour Party presidential candidate in Nigeria’s 2023 general election, Mr. Peter Obi, was reportedly denied access to meet with Pope Leo XIV during his visit to the Vatican for the Pope\'s Inauguration on Monday.A video that has since gone viral on social media shows a visibly concerned Cardinal Francis Arinze attempting to intervene on Obi’s behalf, appealing to Vatican protocol officials to grant the Nigerian politician entry into St. Peter’s Basilica for a private moment with the newly inaugurated Pontiff. Despite the Cardinal’s efforts, Vatican protocol reportedly stood firm, denying Mr. Obi a one-on-one audience with the Pope.Sources close to the incident say Obi had traveled to the Vatican to personally congratulate Pope Leo XIV and show support for the new papacy, which has drawn global attention for its emphasis on unity, peace, and inter-religious dialogue. However, Vatican security and ceremonial procedures surrounding papal audiences appeared to have limited access to only pre-approved dignitaries.The denial has sparked reactions online, with many Nigerians expressing disappointment over the development, especially given Mr. Obi’s status as a prominent political figure and practicing Catholic. Supporters have described the moment as “humbling yet unnecessary,” while others have questioned the rigidity of Vatican protocol during such a historic occasion.Neither Mr. Obi nor the Vatican has released an official statement on the matter as of the time of filing this report.Observers note that while the incident may have been procedural, it shows the complexity of global protocol, even for high-profile political figures. Attached Images: 7cc7b53a3c69e0297bb7a76b7c9f690ef1d2cd2dd8d38e60b2a96351e380031a.jpg Attached Video: None