MARCOS CALLS POPE FRANCIS ‘THE BEST POPE’ AS PHILIPPINES MOURNS

MANILA, April 22 (Bernama-PNA) -- Philippine President Ferdinand R Marcos Jr on Monday led the nation in mourning the passing of Pope Francis, delivering a heartfelt tribute to the late pontiff, whom he described as “the best Pope” of his lifetime, the Philippines News Agency (PNA) reported.

“Pope Francis was something else. That’s really sad. I love this Pope. The best Pope in my lifetime as far as I’m concerned,” Marcos said on the sidelines of a meeting in Malacanang, according to a Palace news release.

His remarks came just hours after the Vatican confirmed the death of the 88-year-old pontiff.

Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Argentina, led the Catholic Church for 12 years. He was widely admired for his humility, progressive views, and deep concern for the poor and the marginalised.

In a separate statement posted on his social media accounts, Marcos said the Philippines joins the global Catholic community in mourning a spiritual leader who “led not only with wisdom but with a heart open to all, especially the poor and the forgotten.”

“By example, Pope Francis taught us that to be a good Christian is to extend kindness and care to one another,” he said.

“His humility brought many back to the fold of the Church. As we mourn his passing, we honour a life that brought hope and compassion to many, inspiring us to love one another as Christ loved us. It is a profoundly sad day,” Marcos added.

Pope Francis visited the Philippines, the largest Catholic nation in Asia, in 2015.

-- BERNAMA-PNA