The death of Pope Francis (1936-2025) elicited significant emotions from a world that was both heavy-hearted for the loss of such a loveable character, at the same time commemorative over the inspiring life the late pontiff led.
Whether from a Catholic or not, expressions of deepest sympathies and condolences came aplenty for the late Pope– born Jorge Mario Bergoglio– who served as the head of the Catholic Church from March 2013 until his death on April 21, 2025.
Below are some statements posted by netizens on Facebook, relaying messages of love, grief, celebration, and many more that Pope Francis’ spiritual leadership embodied.
For Jeanette Malinao, it was a distinct dream to visit the Vatican to see the late Pope.
“One of my dreams in this lifetime is to be able to afford a trip to Vatican unta just to see you, a Pope I love and admire most. See you sa next lifetime na lang gyud, Pope Francis. ????????????????”
- Jeanette Malinao, Cebu
As for Cagayan de Oro’s Atty. Rhobert Maestre, it felt as though Pope Francis “waited for Easter” just so he could muster one final blessing before surrendering himself to the Lord.
“He held his breath and waited for Easter and went to the loggia to see his flock, greeted us all and gave his final blessing to the City and to the World. And now he breathed his last and bid goodbye to go home at last.
Rest in peace Pope Francis. Thank you for the example of simplicity and for always reminding us about HOPE. It is providential indeed that you left us on Easter, the season of hope and joy. We love you.”
- Atty. Rhobert Calalin Maestre, Cagayan de Oro
"May the angels welcome you Home, Holy Father Pope Francis, and may your legacy of faith and hope continue to shine brightly. May you find eternal happiness and peace in the presence of God. Rest in peace, Holy Father."
- Kim Jones Gorre Orquillas, Cagayan de Oro
For Father Ronaldo Manabat, a parish priest from Batanes, he is thankful for the Pope's kindness and tireless service and love, which manifested even during his final moments of life here on Earth.
"Avek dana, Lolo Kiko! Thank you for the many blessings you extended to the people of Batanes. In his final act of love for the Church and the world, Pope Francis gathered his strength to offer the Easter Urbi et Orbi blessing. Even in his frailty, he gave us the gift of peace, hope, and compassion—just as he always did.
Now, with hearts full of gratitude, we entrust him to the mercy of God. Thank you, dearest Holy Father, for your gentle witness, your tireless service, and your boundless love. We will never forget you. We love you, Pope Francis!"
- Father Ronaldo Berber Manabat (Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception), Batanes
For Manileño Carlo Bautista, following God's words was made a lot lighter and more fulfilling with Pope Francis' style of spiritual leadership.
"There are days where being a Catholic is a war I must wage with myself. At Mass, I find myself in love with God and with bitterness against myself and against His people, especially those who so eagerly threw the first stones.
But I cling to Pope Francis' words. Whenever I am made to believe that the two most intrinsic parts of who I am cannot coexist, Pope Francis, from his seat in Rome as vicar of the Christ I profess, meets who I am with love and a disarming acceptance. He spoke out for immigrants against unjust deportation, denounced all forms of genocide, reframed the way the Church saw its most broken and unfit believers. And deep inside me, I knew I had met Christ. It was undeniable.
Thank you, Pope Francis, for walking with us, for walking with me. I pray we continue to leave our hearts open, our arms outstretched, and our faces radiant with love for those who wish to return to the Church as their home. May the world mirror your heart so patterned after Christ's."
- Carlo Bautista, Manila
"Deeply heartbroken by the news of Pope Francis’ passing.
With him, the Catholic Church made space for the LGBTQ+ community to know that one could be both queer and religious; he called the violence against Palestinians to what it truly is— not a war, but terrorism and genocide; and he stood for migrants, affirming their dignity and rejecting the notion that they are second-class citizens.
Under his leadership, the world caught a glimpse of compassion over judgment. But now, in his absence and amid the global shift to conservatism, one cannot help but wonder: where does the Catholic Church go from here?"
- Shannen Liz Carreon, Laguna
