Filipino Catholic and ecumenical leaders have joined the global Church in mourning the death of Pope Francis, who passed away on April 21 at the age of 88.
Described as a “shepherd who walked with his people,” the late pontiff was remembered in requiem Masses and public tributes across the country for his humility, advocacy for the poor, and enduring impact on Filipino faith communities.
Cardinal Pablo Virgilio David of Kalookan, president of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP), offered a message of both sorrow and thanksgiving.
“His final words to his beloved Church echoed the joy of Easter,” Cardinal David wrote, quoting the Pope: “Today at last, the singing of the ‘alleluia’ is heard once more in the Church… this makes the people of God throughout the world shed tears of joy.”
Cardinal David presided over a Mass at the San Roque Cathedral in Caloocan City on April 22 for the eternal repose of the Pope’s soul, joined by clergy and lay faithful.
“It is okay to shed tears of sorrow during this joyful Easter Octave,” the cardinal said, recalling Pope Francis’ own words: “We can only see more clearly through eyes washed by tears.”
Across the capital, Cardinal Jose F. Advincula of Manila led a memorial Mass at the Manila Cathedral. In his homily, Advincula described the Pope as “our dear Lolo Kiko” and praised his close ties with Filipinos, recalling his 2015 visit to the country.
“Under the rain in Tacloban, standing with the survivors of Typhoon Yolanda, Pope Francis showed us what it means to suffer with others and find hope in the midst of pain.”
The Archbishop highlighted three spiritual movements in the Pope’s teachings—recognition, conversion, and mission—linking them to Gospel reflections and to Francis’ pastoral model.
“From the very beginning of his Petrine ministry, the Holy Father reminded us that the Church must be close to the poor, merciful to all, and a welcoming home for the forgotten,” Advincula said.
He also cited the Pope’s call for renewal during his final Easter homily: “Cleanse us, O God, from the sad dust of habit, tiredness and indifference; give us the joy of waking every morning with wonder.”
The Archdiocese of Manila, the Diocese of Kalookan, and other Catholic dioceses across the country have begun, or are preparing to hold, requiem Masses for Pope Francis.
These liturgical celebrations serve as both a prayer for his eternal rest and a tribute to the spiritual legacy he leaves behind.
The Ecumenical Bishops’ Forum (EBF), a fellowship of Protestant and Catholic bishops in the Philippines, also expressed solidarity. “A shepherd of compassion, humility, and unwavering faith… Pope Francis spent his life at the service of others and to the message of love, mercy, and unity,” the statement read.
The EBF honored the Pope’s legacy of interfaith dialogue and his defense of justice and dignity for all. “He was a voice of conscience, a beacon of hope, an unwavering defender of the downtrodden and dispossessed,” said Bishop Joseph G. Agpaoa of the United Church of Christ in the Philippines, co-chairperson of the forum.
The statement was co-signed by bishops from various Christian denominations and called on Filipinos to “internalize, live out, and embody the truly liberating aspects of the Pope’s life and teachings.”
The Bangsamoro Government also extended its condolences to the Catholic Church and communities in Mindanao.
“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,” it said in a statement.
The regional government praised the pontiff’s moral clarity and his unwavering calls for peace in conflict zones, especially the Middle East.
“In this time of mourning, we stand in solidarity with our Christian brothers and sisters, and we reaffirm our commitment to fostering a society where peace and mutual respect are the cornerstones of our existence,” the statement read.
Throughout his papacy, Pope Francis left an indelible mark on the Filipino faithful, referring to Filipino migrant workers as “contrabandistas de la fe”—smugglers of the faith—whose witness crosses borders and evangelizes silently.
He also played a crucial role in appointing Church leaders in the Philippines and in celebrating the 500th anniversary of Christianity in the country.
“Pope Francis has now returned to the Father, but his legacy as a supreme pontiff—that is, as bridge-builder—will never be forgotten by the Church,” Cardinal David said. “Let us commit ourselves to carrying forward his call: to grow into a Missionary Synodal Church.”
All photos by Jire Carreon
Cardinal Jose F. Advincula, Archbishop of Manila, leads a requiem Mass for the late Pope Francis at the Manila Cathedral on April 22, 2025. Hundreds of Catholic faithful gathered to pray for the eternal repose of the pontiff, who was widely remembered for his compassion, humility, and closeness to the Filipino people. Photo by Jire Carreon
Cardinal Jose F. Advincula, Archbishop of Manila, leads a requiem Mass for the late Pope Francis at the Manila Cathedral on April 22, 2025. Hundreds of Catholic faithful gathered to pray for the eternal repose of the pontiff, who was widely remembered for his compassion, humility, and closeness to the Filipino people. Photo by Jire Carreon
