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Chris Tiu on meeting Pope Francis in Vatican City in 2015: 'One of the highlights of my life'
Chris Tiu has paid tribute to Pope Francis, who passed away on Monday.
On Instagram, the "iBilib" host shared a photo of his unforgettable encounter with the pope during the Papal Audience in Vatican City in 2015 In the picture, Chris and Pope Francis can be seen smiling at one another other and clasping each other's hands.
"Your life of service and unwavering loyalty to God & the Church has inspired me and so many others. You have championed inclusivity, mercy, simplicity, charity, peace and love among many others which is exactly what we need in this world!" wrote Chris. "Thank you for everything! We love you and I will miss you so much!"
According to Chris, he turns to Pope Francis' words whenever he feels lost or confused.
He also recalled what the pope told him during their encounter.
"You told me to always pray for you and then you handed me a rosary. I remember feeling stunned as if I had met a Saint and felt a call to be holier and to act with kindness," he said.
"This is one of the highlights of my life and I will cherish this forever. Rest in Peace now our dearest Pope Francis."
Pope Francis' death was announced by the Vatican in a video statement on Monday. He was 88 and survived a double bout of double pneumonia.
According to his death certificate, the pope died of a stroke and irreversible heart failure.
On Wednesday, the body of Pope Francis was brought to St. Peter's Basilica in Vatican City, where it will lie in state until Friday night. His funeral is set for Saturday.
Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, Argentina, was the first Latin American pope. He was elected pope on March 13, 2013.
In 2015, he made an apostolic and state visit to the Philippines.
—CDC, GMA Integrated News
