Filipino lawmakers hail Pope Francis: A true shepherd, guiding light

Lawmakers in the Philippines hailed Pope Francis as a champion of the marginalized, a guiding light, and a friend, after the Vatican announced that the Holy Father had died.

“I join the Catholic Church and the global community in mourning the passing of Pope Francis, a true shepherd of Christ’s flock. His tireless efforts to foster peace and inclusion reshaped the Church’s role in promoting unity across religious and cultural divides,” Senate President Francis Escudero said.

“As the first Latin American pontiff, Pope Francis championed the marginalized, bringing their voices to the forefront of his papacy and inspiring the world with his message of love and acceptance,” he added.

Speaker Martin Romualdez said the world lost a great man with the death of Pope Francis.

“I join the world in mourning the passing of Pope Francis, whom we in Leyte—and across the Philippines—lovingly called “ Lolo Kiko. He was more than a Pope. He was a father, a friend, a guiding light in times of darkness,” Romualdez said.

“I will never forget how he came to Tacloban in the aftermath of Typhoon Yolanda, when our people were suffering beyond words.  He braved the storm, stood with us in the rain, and spoke not just as a leader of the Church, but as someone who truly felt our pain. His presence alone gave us strength,” he added.

The Speaker was referring to the Pope’s 2015 visit to the Philippines in the aftermath of the devastation brought by Super Typhoon Yolanda that killed over 6,000 people.

“His words reminded us that even in loss, we were not alone. That God had not abandoned us. That was who Pope Francis was—he reached out to the poor, the sick, the forgotten, and gave them a voice. He reminded us that true power lies in service, and that faith is not just about rituals, but about love in action,” Romualdez said.

Escudero said the Pope's visit to the Philippines in 2015 was something seared in the Filipinos’ fondest memories.

“Pope Francis’ 2015 visit to the Philippines remains etched in our hearts. During his time here, he consoled those affected by Typhoon Yolanda and called for solidarity and care for the most vulnerable among us," Escudero said.

"His words of 'mercy and compassion' continue to guide the Filipino people in building a society rooted in empathy and understanding,” he added.

“As we honor the life and legacy of Pope Francis, let us carry forward his vision of a world united in peace and kindness. May his dedication to inclusion and harmony inspire us to nurture our shared humanity. We pray for the eternal repose of his soul,” Escudero said.

Kabataan partylist national spokesperson and first nominee Renee Co lauded the Pope for his 12 years of transformative and progressive leadership.

“Pope Francis took up the cross that Jesus bore, the cross of standing with the poor, the terrorized, the marginalized, and used his voice against injustice," Co said.

"We mourn his passing and embrace his challenge to the youth of the world: to stand with the poor and oppressed for justice and for the future of the next generations,” she added.

“There is hope as we empower the youth and the people across nations, religions, and communities,” Co said.

The Federation of Free Workers also recognized the Pope’s efforts in championing the dignity of labor and upholding the role of unions in promoting social justice.

“For Pope Francis, work was sacred—an expression of human dignity and participation in God’s creation. Pope Francis was the pontiff who said: “Loving wealth destroys the soul, and cheating people of their just wages and benefits is a mortal sin,” FFW national president and labor lawyer Sonny Matula said.

“He will be remembered as a friend to workers and trade unionists, a courageous moral leader, a voice for the poor, and a steadfast companion in the struggle for a better, fairer world for all. May he rest in peace,” Matula added.