Obiano Reveals the Remarkable Story Behind Pope Francis’ Gift of His Iconic White Skullcap in 2020

Former Governor of Anambra State, Willie Obiano, has paid an emotional tribute to Pope Francis, who passed away on Easter Monday after suffering a stroke. In a moving statement, Obiano reflected on the pope’s life, character, and the profound personal connection he shared with the late pontiff.

Describing Pope Francis as “a man of immense spiritual stature who remained grounded in his humanity,” Obiano recalled a deeply personal encounter with the pope on January 15, 2020, at the Vatican. It was on that day that Obiano was conferred with the prestigious title of Knight Commander of the Pontifical Order of St. Gregory the Great.

“It was a revelation,” Obiano said of their meeting. “You expect such a global spiritual leader to be distant, but he was so approachable, so real.”

Obiano and his family stayed at Domus Sanctae Marthae — the humble Vatican guesthouse Pope Francis chose over the grandeur of the apostolic palace. It was there that a defining moment occurred: Obiano’s young son, Chukwudifu, spontaneously took a selfie with the pope.

“Chukwudifu, then an adolescent, excitedly took a selfie with the pope, a spontaneous gesture that could have been frowned upon in more formal settings,” Obiano recalled. “But Pope Francis, true to his character, smiled and indulged the boy. That’s who he was — a pontiff who walked the talk, who preached simplicity and lived it.”

The former governor also shared a touching gesture that deeply moved his family. After the investiture ceremony, Pope Francis presented them with personal gifts — rosaries for his wife, Ebelechukwu; daughter, Dr. Gechi; and son, Chukwudifu. But the most profound moment came when the pope removed his white skullcap, the papal zucchetto, and handed it to Obiano.

“It was a gesture so rare, so deeply moving, that I encased it in a special glass display on our family altar,” he said. “Not just to preserve it from dust, but to constantly remind us of the humility and grace of the man who gave it.”

Reflecting on the pope’s legacy, Obiano praised his humility, simplicity, and unwavering commitment to servant leadership. “He was remarkably simple and approachable,” he said. “Conversations with him felt as though we had known each other for years.”

Obiano lauded Pope Francis for championing dialogue, embracing the marginalised, and embodying gospel values. “In the Pope, we saw the face of Christ. And in his memory, we must live out what he stood for.”

As the global Catholic community mourns, Obiano offered prayers for the Church to carry forward the late pontiff’s mission — to remain a beacon of hope for the poor and excluded and to reflect the enduring values of love, mercy, and justice.