In an undated photo, Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. is seen reverently kissing the hand of Pope Francis during a personal encounter at the Vatican—a moment that reflects his deep respect for the late Pontiff and the spiritual leadership he embodied. – Photo from the PBBM’s Instagram Page
VATICAN CITY— Philippine President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. is set to attend the funeral of Pope Francis this Saturday, April 26, at St. Peter’s Square, Vatican City. Accompanied by First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, the President will join a host of world leaders in paying final respects to a pontiff whose leadership and humility touched millions across the globe—especially in the predominantly Catholic Philippines.
Pope Francis, who passed away on April 21 at the age of 88 following complications from a stroke, was known for his simplicity, moral clarity, and steadfast advocacy for the poor. His death has drawn tributes from faith leaders, politicians, and citizens worldwide, with his funeral expected to be attended by dignitaries including U.S. President Donald Trump, French President Emmanuel Macron, Prince William, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
The funeral, per the Pope’s request, will be a modest affair led by Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, reflecting the late pontiff’s well-known aversion to excessive ceremony. Pope Francis will be interred at the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, a church he often visited privately before and after his travels.
A Personal Bond with the Philippines
For Filipinos, Pope Francis’ death brings deep sorrow—and deep gratitude. The pontiff’s five-day apostolic journey to the Philippines in January 2015 remains one of the most powerful moments in the country’s modern religious history.
On January 18, 2015, despite a tropical storm and persistent rain, over six million Filipinos gathered at Luneta Park in Manila to hear him celebrate Mass—a record-breaking turnout and a reflection of the Pope’s extraordinary appeal.
Earlier that week, he had flown to Tacloban City, which had been devastated by Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan) in 2013. Clad in a yellow rain poncho, Pope Francis celebrated Mass at the airport grounds amid another incoming storm. In a moment that deeply moved the nation, he said:
“When I saw from Rome that catastrophe, I felt I had to be here. And on those very days, I decided to come. I am here to be with you—a little bit late, but I’m here… I have come to tell you that Jesus is Lord. And he never lets us down.”
(Tacloban, January 17, 2015)
Filipinos affectionately called him Lolo Kiko—a term of endearment meaning “Grandpa Francis.” His warmth, empathy, and unscripted moments of solidarity with the poor struck a deep chord in the nation.
A Nation in Mourning
In response to the Pope’s passing, President Marcos ordered flags across government buildings to fly at half-mast until the day of the funeral.
“The Filipino people mourn the loss of a man of faith who led with humility and conviction,” President Marcos said in a statement. “We are honored to have welcomed him to our shores, and we now honor him in return with our prayers and presence.”
Across the country, dioceses and parishes have begun holding memorial Masses, candlelight vigils, and community prayers. At Manila Cathedral, Archbishop Jose Cardinal Advincula urged the faithful to remember Pope Francis not only as a leader, but as a spiritual companion.
“He showed us what it means to live simply, serve humbly, and love radically,” said Advincula.
Final Farewell
The funeral Mass is scheduled for 9:30 a.m. Vatican time (3:30 p.m. Manila time) and will be streamed globally. In the Philippines, churches will toll bells at the start of the service, and special Masses will be held simultaneously.
The Vatican has also announced that the Pope’s last handwritten note—left beside his bed—will be read aloud during the funeral. It reportedly contains a prayer for peace in “all places broken by war and indifference.”
While Pope Francis’ physical presence may be gone, his voice—measured, clear, and filled with compassion—will continue to echo in the hearts of the faithful around the world.
