Filipinos mourn Pope Francis
Metro Manila, Philippines - President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Filipino Catholics joined the world in mourning the death of Pope Francis on Monday, April 21.
The Holy See said the 88-year-old pontiff died in residence at the Vatican’s Casa Santa Marta. He succumbed to a stroke.
Marcos said the day of the pope’s passing was a “profoundly sad day.”
He described the pontiff as a “man of profound faith and humility,” who led with wisdom and a heart open to all, especially the poor and the forgotten.
“By example, Pope Francis taught us that to be a good Christian is to extend kindness and care to one another,” the chief executive said. “His humility brought many back to the fold of the Church.”
Vice President Sara Duterte said Pope Francis was “the shepherd who taught us to be compassionate, forgiving, and merciful in a world poisoned by social inequities, hate, greed, and wars.”
Pablo Virgilio Cardinal David, Caloocan bishop and president of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines, asked churches to ring their bells for the pope.
David also said Francis’ legacy “as a supreme pontiff — that is, as bridge-builder — will never be forgotten by the church.”
“Through ‘Evangelii Gaudium’ and ‘Fratelli Tutti,’ he reminded us that the heart of the Gospel beats most strongly where pain, poverty, and exclusion dwell,” he said. “He invited us to be a listening Church - one that opens its ears to the cries of the people and its heart to the stirrings of the Spirit.”
The Manila Cathedral in Intramuros opened its Christ the King Chapel where the faithful can offer votive candles on Thursday.
The cathedral also conducted a 13-minute bell toll to honor the pontiff's 13 years of “vibrant and merciful Petrine ministry.”
Manila Archbishop Jose Cardinal Advincula also said Pope Francis, “Lolo Kiko” to the Filipino faithful, was a “true father to us” and showed love for the Philippines through words and actions throughout his pontificate.
“Let us honor the memory of Pope Francis by learning from his teachings and following his example of Christian life,” Advincula said.
The University of Santo Tomas (UST) said its community is mourning the passing of the pope, adding he “has maintained a memorable connection to Thomasians.”
Pope Leo XIII declared UST a “pontifical university” in 1902.
Senate President Chiz Escudero called Pope Francis a “true shepherd of Christ’s flock,” noting the pontiff’s efforts to “foster peace and inclusion reshaped the Church’s role in promoting unity across religious and cultural divides.”
House Speaker Martin Romualdez recalled the pope’s visit to Tacloban in the aftermath of Super Typhoon Yolanda (international name: Haiyan).
“He braved the storm, stood with us in the rain, and spoke not just as a leader of the Church, but as someone who truly felt our pain,” Romualdez said.
The government of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) also extended its condolences to the Roman Catholic community, adding it reaffirms its commitment to “fostering a society where peace and mutual respect are the cornerstones of our existence.”
"The news of his passing brings profound sadness as Pope Francis was a beacon of hope and a tireless advocate for peace, justice, and interfaith dialogue,” BARMM Chief Minister Abdulraof Macacua said. “Testament to this were his persistent and heartfelt appeals for peace in the Middle East, especially in the face of atrocities in Palestine.”
The Philippines is a predominantly Roman Catholic nation and has among the largest Catholic populations in the world.
Pope Francis visited the country for five days in 2015, drawing millions in his third and concluding mass at the Quirino Grandstand at Luneta Park.
Jorge Mario Bergoglio was elected pope on March 13, 2013. He was the first Latin American leader of the Roman Catholic Church.
