ALL Philippine flags displayed in all Philippine National Police camps nationwide have been placed at half-mast from sunrise to sunset as a symbol of the collective grief and national respect for His Holiness Pope Francis.

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. earlier signed Proclamation No. 871 which declares a period of national mourning until the day of the Pope’s burial.

The PNP leadership headed by General Rommel Francisco D. Marbil said it stands with President Marcos and the entire Filipino nation in mourning the passing of the well-loved Pontiff.

Pope Francis, who passed away on April 21, 2025, was deeply admired for his humility, compassion, and commitment to peace and social justice. His close connection with the Filipino people was most felt during his Apostolic Visit to the Philippines in 2015, when he personally reached out to victims of Super Typhoon Yolanda and uplifted the nation with his words of hope and encouragement.

Many members of the police force guarded Pope Francis when he last visited the country drawing a record crowd of up to seven million people during a historic mass in Manila.

Gen. Marbil echoed the sentiments of the President.

“The passing of Pope Francis is a great loss to the world. He was a leader who led with humility and inspired millions, including us in uniform. He reminded us of the value of compassion, service, and dignity,” the top cop said.

Born under the name of Jorge Mario Bergoglio, Pope Francis served as the head of the Roman Catholic Church for 12 years. As the first Jesuit, first Latin American, and the first non-European pontiff in over 1,200 years, he became a beloved figure to millions of Filipinos and to countless others across the globe. He will be remembered not only for his spiritual guidance but for his tireless dedication to the poor, the oppressed, and the marginalized.

As the world prepares to bid farewell to the Pope at his funeral in Vatican City, the PNP joins the global community in honoring the memory of a truly remarkable man—a shepherd of peace whose legacy will live on for generations.

AUTHOR PROFILE

Alfred P. Dalizon