Manila Cathedral church bells peal for Pope Francis

The Manila Cathedral rang its bell to honor Pope Francis, fondly known to Filipinos as “Lolo Kiko," who passed away on Monday.

In Mark Salazar’s “24 Oras” report, the Manila Cathedral led the ringing of bells past 4 p.m. following the order of Bishop Pablo Virgilio Cardinal David, president of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines (CBCP).

At 6 p.m., Manila Cathedral continuously rang its bell to honor the 12 years of Pope Francis' papacy.

Catholics were also seen lighting a candle and offering prayers for Pope Francis inside the church.

Fr. Viel Baustista shared that he was only a third-year seminarian when he served during Pope Francis’ Eucharistic celebration at the Manila Cathedral in 2015.

“Pagdating sa pintuan ng Manila Cathedral, binati niya kami isa’t isa. Nahawakan ko ang kanyang kamay. Nakapag mano at nahalikan ko yung kanyang singsing. Nakapag welcome sa kanya. Nakita ko siya mismo sa harapan ko,” Bautista said.

(When he entered the church, he greeted us. I was able to hold his hand, pay respect, kiss his ring, and welcome him. He was right in front of me.)

Today, Baustista is the vice rector at the Manila Cathedral and will be busy with the activities in the following days of mourning.

Coinciding with the annual Easter gathering, Manila Archbishop Jose Cardinal Advincula will lead the memorial for Pope Francis at the Manila Cathedral on Tuesday.

The Manila Cathedral was open until 7 p.m. today for the vigil. — Mariel Celine Serquiña/BAP, GMA Integrated News