President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. expressed profound sorrow at the passing of Pope Francis, joining the global Catholic community in mourning the loss of a revered spiritual leader.
In a heartfelt statement, Marcos described Pope Francis as “a man of profound faith and humility” who led with wisdom and an open heart, particularly for the poor and marginalized.
He emphasized the Pope’s teachings on kindness and compassion, noting how his humility inspired many to reconnect with the Catholic Church.
“As we mourn his passing, we honor a life that brought hope and compassion to so many,” Marcos said, calling it “a profoundly sad day.”
Marcos’ statement reflects his deep-rooted Catholic faith. Raised in a family with historical ties to the Church, Marcos attended Catholic schools, including La Salle Green Hills, and has often publicly aligned himself with Catholic values.
His meetings with Pope Francis in 2014 and 2015, including during the Pope’s visit to the Philippines post-Typhoon Yolanda, underscore his personal connection to the pontiff’s mission of compassion.