Vice President Sara Duterte expressed her deep sorrow over the death of Pope Francis, hailing him as a spiritual shepherd who guided the Roman Catholic Church with humility and compassion.
In a video message released Tuesday, Duterte urged the Catholic community to hold on to the late pontiff’s teachings and continue living by the values he stood for.
She described Pope Francis as a disciple of God who led the Church with faith, unwavering dedication, and humility. She called on Filipinos to pray for his eternal rest and to remember his enduring message of love, mercy, and kindness.
“We pray as we mourn the passing of His Holiness, Pope Francis,” Duterte said. “He was a shepherd who taught us to be compassionate, forgiving, and merciful in a world poisoned by social inequities, hate, greed, and wars.”
Duterte also encouraged the faithful to find strength in the pope’s legacy and continue living out his mission of bringing the Gospel to the poor, the sick, and the dying.
Pope Francis dies of stroke, Vatican confirms
The Vatican confirmed on Monday that Pope Francis, 88, died after suffering a stroke and irreversible heart failure. According to the official death certificate released by Vatican officials, the pontiff fell into a coma before passing away.
Before his death, the pope had been battling double pneumonia, which led to a prolonged hospital stay. Despite his condition, he remained active in his duties until his final days.
Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Pope Francis was elected as the 266th pope of the Roman Catholic Church in 2013. He succeeded Pope Benedict XVI, who resigned due to health concerns—making Francis the first Jesuit and the first Latin American to hold the position.
His papacy was marked by a strong push for inclusivity, social justice, and environmental responsibility. He became a global voice for the marginalized, the oppressed, and the voiceless.
A legacy of humility and hope
Throughout his 12-year papacy, Pope Francis championed the rights of the poor, addressed the climate crisis, and pushed for reforms within the Church. He was known for his simplicity, often rejecting traditional luxuries associated with his office.
He reached out to atheists, members of the LGBTQ+ community, and other faiths, promoting dialogue and unity in a time of rising global tension. His work earned the respect of millions around the world, regardless of religion.
As tributes continue to pour in, world leaders and religious groups alike are paying homage to a man many considered a moral compass in turbulent times.
Jaja has a degree in journalism and took classes in international law and business communication. Her career spans roles at prominent international media outlets, including International Business Times, Celebeat and Delightful Philippines. As a news editor, Jaja covered a wide range of beats, including legal, business, economy, cryptocurrency, personal finance, gaming, technology, and entertainment.