"FILIPINOS WORLDWIDE MOURN FOR THE PASSING OF POPE FRANCIS"

THE PASSING OF POPE FRANCIS ON APRIL 21, 2025, WAS MET WITH A DEEP SENSE OF GRIEF ACROSS THE GLOBE. AMONG THE MANY COMMUNITIES PROFOUNDLY AFFECTED WAS THE FILIPINO NATION, BOTH AT HOME AND ABROAD.

For Filipinos, Pope Francis was more than a pontiff, he was a spiritual father, an advocate for the poor, and a symbol of mercy and humility. His connection with the Philippines was unique and heartfelt, leaving a spiritual imprint that will long endure.

A NATION IN MOURNING

In the Philippines, the government quickly declared a period of national mourning, lasting until Pope Francis’ burial on April 26. Philippine flags were flown at half-mast across public buildings, while cathedrals and parishes organized special requiem Masses to honor the late pontiff. In Manila, Cardinal Jose Advincula led hundreds of faithful in prayer at the Manila Cathedral, where he referred to Pope Francis as “a true father to us,” echoing the collective grief felt by millions.

The outpouring of condolences extended far beyond religious circles. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. led the tributes, calling Pope Francis a “beacon of hope and compassion.” Vice President Sara Duterte, labor groups, and even the Bangsamoro regional parliament expressed their sorrow and respect.

The breadth of these tributes underscored the Pope’s ability to unite people across ideologies, faiths, and geographical regions.

 Pope Francis’s 2015 visit to the Philippines, where he met with survivors of Typhoon Haiyan and addressed issues of corruption and poverty, solidified his deep bond with Filipinos. His message of solidarity with the poor and his calls for compassion and justice resonated strongly in a country grappling with inequality.

 A STRONG FILIPINO PRESENCE IN THE VATICAN

Filipino representation was significant during the funeral ceremonies held at St. Peter’s Square. President Marcos and First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos attended the funeral, joining other global dignitaries in mourning the pontiff.

It was a solemn but powerful display of the Philippines’ close ties to the Holy See. Cardinal Advincula, the Archbishop of Manila, participated in the subsequent papal conclave. Cardinal Pablo Virgilio David, the Bishop of Kalookan and president of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines, was likewise present at the funeral rites. Cardinal Orlando Quevedo, the Archbishop Emeritus of Cotabato, attended as well. Their presence at the Vatican highlighted the strong leadership of the Filipino clergy within the global Catholic Church. The contributions of these leaders go beyond ceremony. Filipino cardinals and bishops have long played vital roles in Vatican councils and dicasteries, helping shape the Church’s response to contemporary global issues. Their participation in the mourning and transition following Pope Francis’s death underscored the Philippines’ growing influence in Catholic affairs.

GLOBAL FILIPINO TRIBUTES

Outside the Vatican and the Philippines, Filipinos around the world held memorial services and prayer gatherings in local churches, homes, and community centers. In European cities like Rome, Madrid, London, and Paris, Filipino communities organized vigils to honor Pope Francis’s life and teachings. Candles, flowers, and personal notes filled altars, while priests and laypeople alike offered prayers of thanks for a pontiff who had touched their lives. Overseas Filipino workers, many of whom serve as caregivers, nurses, and domestic workers in Europe, spoke of how Pope Francis’ words often gave them strength. His emphasis on the dignity of labor, his concern for migrants, and his call to welcome the stranger were messages that deeply resonated with the Filipino diaspora. Social media platforms became virtual sanctuaries of mourning and memory. Filipinos shared clips of the Pope’s 2015 visit, personal encounters, and favorite quotes. Messages of gratitude, sorrow, and hope poured in, creating a global digital tapestry of collective mourning.

A LASTING LEGACY

Pope Francis’ death marks the end of an era in the Catholic Church, but his legacy lives on, particularly among the Filipino people. His papacy emphasized mercy, simplicity, and a radical call to care for the marginalized. These values are closely aligned with the deeply ingrained Filipino virtues of “pakikiramay” (sympathy), “bayanihan” (community spirit), and “malasakit” (compassion).

As the Church moves forward, the memory of Pope Francis will continue to guide and inspire. Filipino Catholics, through their vibrant faith and strong  communal ties, are well-positioned to carry forward his vision of a more inclusive, compassionate, and just world. In his own words during his 2015 Mass in Manila, Pope Francis urged Filipinos: “You are called to be outstanding missionaries of the faith.” With his passing, that call becomes even more poignant. In mourning him, the Filipino people renew their commitment to live out the values he championed, ensuring that his spirit endures not just in memory, but in action.

HOPES FOR THE FUTURE AND A FILIPINO POPE

With three Filipino cardinals actively engaged in Vatican affairs and global Catholic leadership, some Filipinos quietly nurtured hope that Pope Francis’ successor would come from the Philippines. Such a development would have represented a monumental moment not only for the nation but for the entire Asian Church. The idea of a Filipino pope resonates strongly with many, especially given the country’s standing as the third largest Catholic nation in the world, after Brazil and Mexico.

 Catholicism continues to thrive in the Philippines, with over 80 million adherents and a youthful, vibrant Church known for its festive religious traditions, grassroots devotion, and missionary zeal. Many see the Filipino Church as a model for evangelization in the 21st century—dynamic, people-oriented, and deeply rooted in community values. As the Vatican moves into the next chapter of its history under a new leadership, the strong presence of Filipino clergy and the steadfastness of Filipino Catholicism serves as an inspiration for the future of the global Church.