MANILA, Philippines — Millions flocked to churches across the country on Tuesday for services held in memory of Pope Francis, an act of collective mourning in a Catholic nation touched by his
Millions flocked to churches across the country on Tuesday for services held in memory of Pope Francis, an act of collective mourning in a Catholic nation touched by his propoor ministry, reviving memories of his visit a decade ago when Filipinos reeled from a major calamity.
At the Manila Cathedral, muffled sobs could be heard as the faithful prayed for the late pontiff, his portrait mounted and surrounded by flowers and candles inside one of the chapels.
Cardinal Jose Advincula of the Manila Archdiocese presided over a Mass offered for the eternal rest of ”Lolo Kiko (Granpa Kiko)” as the Pope was fondly called during his Philippine visit in January 2015, two months after the killer typhoon ”Yolanda.”
At the San Roque Cathedral Parish in Caloocan City, Cardinal Pablo Virgilio David, president of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines, also addressed the flock in a Mass for the Pope.
Francis, the first Latin American leader of the Roman Catholic Church, died on Monday after suffering a stroke and cardiac arrest, the Vatican said, ending an often turbulent reign in which he sought to overhaul an ancient and divided institution.
In their homilies, Advincula and David recalled how their encounters with the Pope strengthened their faith and conviction that the Church should be close to the poor and “a welcoming home for the forgotten.”
“Throughout his pontificate, our Lolo Kiko was a true father to us and has continued to show his love for the Philippines—not only through words, but through actions,” Advincula said.
