From a grateful nation: Senators mourn death of Pope Francis (2025)

MANILA, Philippines — Senators joined the Catholic Church and the global community in mourning the passing of Pope Francis, remembering his Christ-like leadership.

Among those who expressed condolences was Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero, who noted the Pope’s tireless efforts to foster peace and inclusion, which “reshaped the Church’s role in promoting unity across religious and cultural divides.”

“As the first Latin American pontiff, Pope Francis championed the marginalized, bringing their voices to the forefront of his papacy and inspiring the world with his message of love and acceptance,” said Escudero.

“Pope Francis’ 2015 visit to the Philippines remains etched in our hearts. During his time here, he consoled those affected by Typhoon Yolanda and called for solidarity and care for the most vulnerable among us. His words of ‘mercy and compassion’ continue to guide the Filipino people in building a society rooted in empathy and understanding,” he added.

The Senate chief enjoined the public to carry forward the Pope’s vision of a world united in peace and kindness.

“May his dedication to inclusion and harmony inspire us to nurture our shared humanity. We pray for the eternal repose of his soul. From a grateful nation: paalam at maraming salamat, Pope Francis! Rest in eternal peace,” said Escudero.

In a separate statement issued on Monday, Sen. Juan Miguel Zubiri said the Pope was truly Christ-like in his leadership of the Church.

“In an increasingly fractured and tumultuous world, his message of love and service rang loud in its simplicity. He was a working Pope—ready to come down from the pulpit and engage with the problems of the world alongside the rest of us,” said Zubiri.

According to Zubiri, Pope Francis showed people that being a Pope is not about the vestments or the ceremony—it is about being a vehicle for love and mercy.

“I had the remarkable honor of meeting Pope Francis and receiving his personal blessing at the Vatican last year, and it is an experience that I will never forget. His reminder to ‘protect the family’ will always live with me and guide everything that I do as a Catholic and as a public servant,” said Zubiri.

Opposition Sen. Risa Hontiveros also lamented the Pope’s death, remembering how he was “real progressive in every sense of the word.”

“He saw to it that the Church was truly a Church of the poor. He even took it further and called on the Church to listen and learn,” said Hontiveros.

“I best remember him for his clarion call to action on the climate crisis, his welcoming of women into leadership positions in the Church, and his making God’s love felt by marginalized communities across the world, especially in areas wracked by violence and conflict,” she added.

Meanwhile, Sen. Grace Poe said she will remember Pope Francis as someone who used his voice to spread love.

“He was firmly committed to inclusivity—welcoming minorities and the most powerless and vulnerable into the arms of the Church,” said Poe.

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“He spoke against greed and corruption. He called for a ceasefire on all conflicts and urged the use of resources to feed the hungry. His wisdom came from a life of service, living among the poorest of the poor. We mourn the loss of his leadership that was both humble and courageous. Godspeed,” she added.

Pope Francis died on April 21. He was 88.