Duterte: Death of Jesus Christ a reminder of ‘immense power’ of love, compassion

President Rodrigo Duterte on Thursday joined Catholics in remembering the life and death of Jesus Christ this Holy Week.

“By remembering the death of Jesus Christ at the cross, we remind ourselves of the immense power of love and compassion which is able to tear down walls of prejudice, selfishness and hate,” Duterte, who has repeatedly made statements critical of the Catholic Church, said in his Lenten message.

The opportunity to pray and reflect during the Lenten season gave everyone a “magnified view of the victory that is found in enduring sacrifice,” he said.

President Duterte wished Filipinos a “meaningful and purposeful” Holy Week. @virgillopez pic.twitter.com/CPS101E8V9

— Virgil Lopez (@virgillopez) April 9, 2020

“Let the spirit of Lent inspire us to move ahead with faith and peace in our hearts as we persevere in bringing lasting and transformative change in our society,” he said.

Duterte also wished that Filipinos “walk with renewed fervor and faith towards our shared path of a brighter and better future for all.”

The President is spending the Holy Week in Manila as he continues to monitor the developments in the country’s fight against the deadly coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).  — Virgil Lopez/RSJ, GMA News