PONTIFF MOURNED
THE House of Representatives, led by Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez has joined Catholics in remembering Pope Francis.
Pope Francis passed away. He was 88.
Romualdez said Pope Francis visit to Leyte few years after the devastating Typhoon Yolanda is significant as it strengthen the faith of Filipinos.
“It is with a heavy heart that I join the world in mourning the passing of Pope Francis, whom we in Leyte—and across the Philippines—lovingly called “Lolo Kiko.” Romualdez said.
“To us, he was more than a Pope. He was a father, a friend, a guiding light in times of darkness. I will never forget how he came to Tacloban in the aftermath of Typhoon Yolanda, when our people were suffering beyond words,” The Speaker said.
Pope Francis during his visit in the Philippines in 2015 has braved the storm, stood with Filipinos in the rain, and spoke not just as a leader of the Church, but as someone who truly felt the pain.
“His presence alone gave us strength. His words reminded us that even in loss, we were not alone. That God had not abandoned us,” Romualdez added.
That was who Pope Francis was—someone who saw beyond titles, beyond barriers. He reached out to the poor, the sick, the forgotten, and gave them a voice. He reminded us that true power lies in service, and that faith is not just about rituals, but about love in action.
The world has lost a great man. But the kindness, the wisdom, and the deep compassion he shared with us will never fade. Lolo Kiko may have left this earth, but his spirit will live on in every heart he touched.
Rest now, Holy Father. You have done more than enough. Thank you for loving us. Thank you for believing in us. We will carry your light forward, the House leader said.
