Marcos says he attended Pope Francis' funeral to show PH's deep respect

President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. said that he attended Pope Francis’ funeral in the Vatican “as a gesture of deep respect.”

“I represented not just the Philippine government, but the everyday Filipino — prayerful, hopeful, and grateful — who would have wanted to be there to say thank you to a shepherd who made them feel seen,” he said in a statement.

“This is a moment of shared faith, national pride, and quiet tribute from the Filipino people to a Pope who walked with the humble and gave voice to the unseen."

Marcos Jr. and First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos are set to return to the Philippines on Monday, April 28.

This was confirmed by the Presidential Communications Office in a statement on Sunday.

The First Couple arrived in Rome on Friday to attend Pope Francis’ funeral the next day. The funeral mass for the late pontiff at St. Peter’s Square in the Vatican drew world leaders, dignitaries, and thousands of Catholic faithful from around the globe.

Pope Francis was buried in the Basilica of Saint Mary Major, which was outside the Vatican but is part of Rome. He died on Monday, April 21, due to a stroke and irreversible heart failure.

On Instagram, Liza Marcos on Sunday also posted several photos during the funeral.

 

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Liza Marcos (@lizamarcos)

 

 

She described Pope Francis as a “true shepherd of compassion and humility who touched so many lives,” including hers.

“From every corner of the world, whether in person or through the screen, hearts came together to honor a leader who made each of us feel seen, heard and truly loved,” the First Lady wrote in the caption.

“We carry Lolo Kiko’s message of kindness, humility and hope — a light that will forever guide us Filipinos and inspire generations to come,” she added. —Giselle Ombay/KG, GMA Integrated News