Filipino Catholics mourn Pope Francis with prayers and tears

Church bells ring across the Philippines as faithful react with disbelief and grief to Pope Francis’s death.

People pray during Mass at Baclaran Church in Parañaque, Metro Manila, on April 21, 2025, following the death of Pope Francis in the Vatican. Photo by Jam Sta Rosa/AFP

By Anna Fadiah and Hayu Andini

The death of Pope Francis has sparked deep sorrow among the Philippines' Catholic population, as Filipino Catholics mourn Pope Francis with a mixture of disbelief and solemn prayers. The country, home to over 85 million Catholics and considered the largest Catholic nation in Asia, has long held a strong connection to the Argentine pontiff. His passing on Monday sent shockwaves across the islands, prompting spontaneous gatherings in churches and moments of reflection in homes, offices, and public squares.

Church bells tolled through the streets of Metro Manila shortly after the news broke, calling the faithful to prayer and remembrance. Though Pope Francis had not visited the Philippines frequently, his spiritual presence and commitment to the marginalized left a lasting impact. Many Filipinos remember his historic 2015 visit vividly—a time when the pope braved stormy skies to console survivors of Super Typhoon Haiyan.

A nation stunned into silence

Outside Baclaran Church, one of the country's most iconic Catholic shrines, 23-year-old Jeslie Generan stood silently, processing the loss. “I was shocked,” she said, tears welling in her eyes. “I read that he was no longer sick and his condition had improved. When I opened Twitter and saw the news, I thought it was fake.”

Her experience is not unique. Across the capital, many Filipinos initially questioned the news of the pope’s passing. The shock was compounded by the fact that only weeks prior, updates from the Vatican had described Pope Francis’s health as stable. Some even hoped it was a hoax or misinformation spreading online.

Inside Baclaran Church, a portrait of Pope Francis—lovingly called Lolo Kiko, or "Grandfather Francis"—was placed beside a statue of Jesus. Parishioners lit candles and offered prayers, kneeling in quiet reverence. “We feel the loss because he is the face of the Church,” said Marlon Delgado, a 40-year-old regular mass-goer. “At first, I was shocked, then the sadness just swept over me.”

Searching for solace at the Manila Cathedral

At the nearby Manila Cathedral, a historic and spiritual centerpiece for Filipino Catholics, the mood was solemn. Candles on the main altar remained unlit, and pews stood mostly empty in the dim interior as the news slowly reached the public. Outside, however, a different energy pulsed.

Jhayson Banquiles, 19, leaned against the cathedral gates, voice quivering as he spoke. “The pope’s death is a big loss for Filipino Catholics. He was our bridge to God. Through him, we heard the word of God.”

Many, like Vincent Abrena, sought immediate spiritual refuge. “I was at the office when I heard the news,” said the 38-year-old. “That’s why I rushed here after work—to pray for him, to be in a place where I could feel close to him one last time.”

Remembering his storm-swept visit

Filipino Catholics mourn Pope Francis not just for his role as a religious leader, but for his profound emotional connection to the nation. His January 2015 visit was especially moving, coming just over a year after Super Typhoon Haiyan, one of the deadliest storms in recorded history, struck the central Philippines and left more than 6,000 people dead.

Pope Francis flew into Tacloban, the city hardest hit by the disaster, in the middle of a tropical storm. Clad in a yellow poncho, he delivered mass amid gusty winds and pouring rain. “When I saw in Rome that catastrophe, I felt I had to be here,” he told the thousands who braved the weather to see him. “I’m here to be with you.”

His heartfelt presence brought comfort to survivors, many of whom had lost everything. Images of that day—him clutching a wooden cross, speaking against the roar of the wind—remain etched in the national memory.

On Monday, a video tribute of his visit posted by a local news outlet garnered over five million views within hours, as people re-shared the clip across social media platforms. Comments flooded in, with messages of gratitude and mourning. One user wrote, “You came for us when no one else did. We will never forget you, Lolo Kiko.”

Legacy of a people's pope

Pope Francis’s influence extended beyond grand public events. He appointed four of the ten Filipino cardinals in the Church’s history, including Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, who has since risen in prominence within the Vatican. These appointments were seen by many as a sign of trust and recognition for the Filipino Catholic community.

The pope also consistently spoke out for the poor and marginalized, a message that resonated deeply in the Philippines, where millions still live in poverty. His emphasis on mercy, social justice, and inclusion echoed in many Sunday sermons across the country, often quoted by local priests.

As Filipino Catholics mourn Pope Francis, many are also reflecting on the kind of leadership he embodied—compassionate, humble, and unafraid to confront uncomfortable truths. He spoke plainly about the need for reforms in the Church and was not shy in addressing issues such as corruption, abuse, and inequality.

Disbelief, prayer, and hope

While a majority of Filipinos have accepted the news, some still cling to disbelief, unsure whether to trust what they read online. “There’s so much fake news nowadays,” said one parishioner who declined to be named. “I want to hear it from the Vatican directly. I can’t believe he’s really gone.”

Others, however, have moved toward acceptance, choosing to honor Pope Francis’s life and teachings by gathering in prayer and reflection.

“I cried when I saw the news,” said Grace Delos Santos, 51. “But I know he’s with the Lord now. And I believe the next pope will continue what he started—for the poor, for the voiceless, for all of us.”

As the Philippines continues to mourn, memorial masses are being planned nationwide. Church leaders have urged the faithful to stay united in prayer and to remember the pontiff not only for his global stature but for the way he touched individual lives.

“We have lost a spiritual father,” said Bishop Ruperto Santos of Antipolo. “But we have gained a saint in heaven.”

For now, candles flicker beside framed portraits, church bells toll through the dusk, and millions of Filipinos whisper a final salamat—thank you—to the pope they lovingly called Lolo Kiko.