‘A heart open to all’: Marcos, senators pay tribute to Pope Francis

April 21, 2025 , 08:41 PM

By Gabriel Kim Leal

(April 21, 2025) – Pres. Bongbong Marcos Jr. and several senators on Monday mourned the death of Pope Francis as they acknowledged his lasting impact during his 12-year papacy.

Pope Francis passed away at 88 years old. His death came just a day after making a public appearance during the mass for Eastern Sunday at St. Peter’s Square in the Vatican on April 20.

“I love this pope. The best pope in my lifetime as far as I’m concerned,” said Marcos in a statement. “A man of profound faith and humility, Pope Francis led not only with wisdom but with a heart open to all, especially the poor and the forgotten.”

The late pontiff visited the Philippines in January 2015. He met with survivors of Typhoon Yolanda in Tacloban, Leyte and celebrated masses at Manila Cathedral and Luneta Park, urging Filipinos to help marginalized communities.

Senate Pres. Chiz Escudero recalled the papal visit, saying Pope Francis “consoled those affected” by the typhoon and cared “for the most vulnerable among us.”

“His words of ‘mercy and compassion’ continue to guide the Filipino people in building a society rooted in empathy and understanding,” said Escudero.

Sen. Grace Poe honored the late pope for his love and inclusivity, while Sen. Risa Hontiveros remembered him as “a real progressive in every sense of the word.”

“He spoke against greed and corruption. He called for a ceasefire on all conflicts and urged the use of resources to feed the hungry. His wisdom came from a life of service, living among the poorest of the poor,” said Poe.

“I best remember him for his clarion call to action on the climate crisis, his welcoming of women into leadership positions in the (Catholic) Church, and his making God’s love felt by marginalized communities across the world,” added Hontiveros.

Pope Francis was hospitalized for 38 days in March due to double pneumonia. After being discharged, he had three public appearances before his death.

In a final act of defiance against tradition, he requested to be buried at Rome’s Santa Maria Maggiore Basilica, making him the first pope in over a century to be buried outside the Vatican.

“The greatness and humility of Pope Francis shall never pass away. Today Easter Monday, we intone the Lord Jesus, our resurrection and the life in whom our beloved Pope believed fervently, and thus he too shall live forever,” said Sen. Imee Marcos.

“Si Pope Francis ay isang malaking simbolo ng pagpapakumbaba at simpleng pamumuhay. Isa siyang inspirasyon para sa ating lahat na nais magserbisyo sa kapwa,” added Sen. Bong Go.

(With reports from Maeanne Los Baños-Oroceo and Maricel Halili, News5)

(PM)

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