It was in January 2015 when millions of Roman Catholic faithful converged at the Quirino Grandstand in Manila to witness the visit of Pope Francis.

It was raining then. However, the rains failed to dampen the spirit of devotees who attended the Holy Mass and other activities led by Pope Francis, fondly called “Lolo Kikô” in the Philippines.

One of the participants in the religious activities is 24-year-old Kenneth Jun Eusebio, an Ilonggo parish youth minister from Santa Barbara town, Province of Iloilo.

Kenneth narrated that he was tired and hungry prior to that moment he saw Pope Francis. But the hunger pangs and the exhaustion were dispelled by the presence of the pontiff, even though it took only seconds for “Lolo Kikô,” on board his popemobile, to pass through a sea of believers. Kenneth said that the moment is enshrined in his heart. 

“Mas na-feel ko na hindi mo kailangang mag-physical contact kay Pope Francis just to feel his presence. The fact na nandyan ka, nanonood ka, nagwi-witness at nakikinig, you can absorb the radiance and mercy and kindness ni Pope Francis,” Kenneth elucidated. 

Meanwhile, Elsa Mondragon, a catechist from San Joaquin town, Iloilo shared that she served as lector-catechist on January 26, 2025 at the Saint Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City. What was most memorable, Elsa said, was the opportunity to have a quick chat with Pope Francis.

Despite the brief encounter, she said it is one of the highlights of her life as a devoted Catholic.

“Nabigyan ng chance na mahawakan siya. Very lucky kaming lahat na delegates. That time, nag-stop siya ang then sinabi niya na ‘I came from the Philippines to Tacloban.” Natatandaan pa niya at malapit sa kanya ang mga Pilipino,” Elsa shared.

For Kenneth and Elsa, Pope Francis has a colossal impact on the blossoming of their Christian faith.

Pope Francis is best known for his great love of the poor, the destitute, the marginalized; the environment, and the simple ways of life.

His simplicity and love of humanity is deemed a legacy. His humility leaves lasting impression among the clergy of the Archdiocese of Jaro.

“(Noong) bago pa lang siyang napiling Santo Papa, sumasakay siya sa bus kasama ang mga cardinal. At hindi niya piniling tumira sa palatial residence. Sumama siya sa apartment, sa guest house kasama ang mga pari, ordinary people because he wants to be with people,”  Monsignor Meliton Oso, director of the Jaro Archdiocesan Social Action Center, reminisced.