MARCOS DECLARES NATIONAL MOURNING PERIOD OVER POPE FRANCIS’ PASSING

PRESIDENT Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. expressed the nation’s solidarity with the global community mourning the passing of Pope Francis as he officially declared a period of national mourning to honor His Holiness, who passed away on April 21, 2025.

In Proclamation No. 871, President Marcos declared a period of national mourning effective immediately until the burial of Pope Francis on Saturday.

President Marcos also cited the late Pontiff’s enduring legacy, describing him as “a global symbol of humility, compassion, and peace,” who spent his life “devoting his ministry to the care of the poor, marginalized, and vulnerable, and advocating tirelessly for social justice, equality, and interfaith dialogue.”

The President underscored the deep bond between Pope Francis and the Filipino people, recalling his historic Apostolic Visit to the Philippines in January 2015, during which he offered comfort and solidarity to victims of Super Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan) and celebrated the resilience of the Filipino faithful despite adversities.

“The passing of Pope Francis is a moment of profound sorrow for the Catholic Church and for the Filipino people, who recognize him as a global leader of compassion and a tireless advocate for peace, justice, and human dignity,” President Marcos stated in the proclamation.

As a mark of national respect, the Philippine flag shall be flown at half-staff on all government buildings and installations throughout the country and abroad, from sunrise to sunset, effective immediately until the day of Pope Francis’s burial.

Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio, Pope Francis served as the head of the Roman Catholic Church for 12 years. He was the first Jesuit, the first Latin American, and the first non-European pope in more than 1,200 years. He led more than 1.3 billion Catholics worldwide, including millions of Filipinos.

PBBM, FIRST LADY LIZA TO ATTEND PEOPLE’S POPE’S FUNERAL

President Marcos and First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos are set to attend the funeral of Pope Francis in Vatican City this Saturday, joining world leaders in paying their final respects to the late pontiff.

The funeral ceremony will take place on Saturday, April 26 at 10 a.m. in St. Peter’s Square, where Pope Francis made his last public appearance during his Easter Sunday blessing and popemobile tour.