The bells tolled slowly across Catholic churches in Pangasinan and beyond, as a sign of deep mourning for the passing of Pope Francis.

Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio, died after years of battling illness. He served as the first Latin American pope for 12 years.

Lingayen-Dagupan Archbishop Socrates “Father Soc” Villegas expressed sorrow over the pope’s passing.

“Mixed feelings of sadness because the world is lesser with his departure to the Father’s house,” he said.

For Archbishop Villegas, Pope Francis was a bridge-builder — not only between conservatives and progressives, but also between believers and non-believers.

“He always wanted to build bridges... even for the lovers and haters of God. He reached out to both,” he said.

Villegas recalled a personal encounter with the Pope in 2018.

At the time, he was facing public attacks and threats. Pope Francis offered him words of comfort and strength.

“He assured me to keep guiding the people. You have to suffer for what you teach and preach. But do not get discouraged because it is part of our task. He encouraged me. He gave me a hug and said, ‘Carry on!’,” Villegas said.

An Archdiocesan Mass will be held at St. John the Evangelist Cathedral in Dagupan City on April 23 at 3 p.m.

“We want to believe na yayakapin siya ng Diyos sa kabilang buhay. Mahigpit na yakap para sa ating kababayan kasi pare-pareho tayong ulila,” the archbishop said.

The local Catholic community joins the global Church in praying for the soul of Pope Francis — a shepherd who built bridges and embraced all.