Marcos in deep sorrow over Pope Francis’ death: The best Pope in my lifetime

President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. expressed deep sorrow at the death of Pope Francis as he acknowledged the latter as the “best Pope” in his lifetime.

"Ibang klase si Pope Francis. 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 on Monday.

In a statement, Marcos said the Philippines joined the Catholic community worldwide in grieving the loss of Pope Francis, whom he described as a “man of profound faith and humility.”

“Pope Francis led not only with wisdom but with a heart open to all, especially the poor and the forgotten,” Marcos said. 

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

Pope Francis’ humility brought many back to the fold of the Church, according to the President.

“As we mourn his passing, we honor a life that brought hope and compassion to so many and inspired us to love one another as Christ loved us. It is a profoundly sad day,” Marcos said.

In a statement, the Department of Foreign Affairs joined the Filipino people and Roman Catholics around the world in mourning the death of His Holiness Pope Francis.

"Best known for his encyclical Laudato si: (Praise be to You), Pope Francis was a beloved spiritual leader for tens of millions of Filipinos who follow his writings on how to care for the environment, as well as his advocacy for more protection for the poor and the oppressed," the DFA said.

"The Pontiff visited the country on 5-19 January 2015, during which he held mass for millions of Catholic faithful in Manila, Tacloban City, and Palo municipality in Leyte province. As we mourn this great loss, we remember the Holy Father's example of compassion and humility," it added.

Former Chief Justice Artemio Panganiban, in his statement, said, "Very sad news for us left behind, but joyful for the angels in Heaven welcoming him."

On Facebook, First Lady Liza Marcos said as much.

"Met a saint on earth. Now heaven welcomes him home. Thank you, Pope Francis," the First Lady said in her post, which included a picture of her meeting with the Pontiff.

The Vatican earlier announced the passing of Pope Francis. He was 88 and had a serious bout of double pneumonia.

Born as Jorge Mario Bergoglio, Pope Francis was elected Supreme Pontiff on March 13, 2013. He became the first pope from the Americas and the first Jesuit to hold the said position.

Pope Francis, fondly called Lolo Kiko by Filipinos, visited the Philippines in 2015.

During his visit, Pope Francis celebrated Mass at the Manila Cathedral as well as in the Pontifical and Royal University of Santo Tomas.

The Pontiff also held an outdoor Mass in Tacloban City despite strong rains and powerful winds brought about by an approaching storm.

The Presidential Communications Office said Filipinos would always remember Pope Francis and his call to the Filipino faithful “to reinvigorate daily their zeal to connect with and reach out to those in the margins, and to work collectively to protect the environment.”—Anna Felicia Bajo/LDF/NB, GMA Integrated News