Senators mourn the death of Pope Francis, who passed away at the age of 88 at his residence in the Vatican on April 21.
Several senators extended their condolences, highlighting the Pope’s humility, compassion, and unwavering dedication to the poor and marginalized.
Senate Minority Leader Juan Miguel Zubiri said, It weighs heavily on my heart to lose a Pope who embodied extraordinary humility.
He described Pope Francis as truly Christ-like in leading the Church by always prioritizing the victims of poverty, illness, war, and injustice.
Zubiri added that the Pope showed the world that the papacy is not about garments or rituals but about being a channel of love and mercy.
Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero also expressed sorrow over the Pope’s passing.
Escudero said, As the first Latin American Pontiff, Pope Francis championed the marginalized and became a global inspiration through his message of love and acceptance.
He noted that Filipinos will forever remember the Pope’s 2015 visit to the Philippines.
During that visit, Pope Francis comforted the victims of Typhoon Yolanda and called for unity and protection for the vulnerable.
Senator Risa Hontiveros also joined the nation in mourning.
She said, Pope Francis was truly progressive in the meaning of his words.
Hontiveros added that Pope Francis ensured that the Church remained a true church of the poor.
She hoped the Pope’s memory would live on through the practice of his teachings on mercy, compassion, and hope.