President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. expressed deep sorrow over the death of Pope Francis, affectionately known to many Filipinos as “Lolo Kiko.”

“That’s really sad. I love this Pope,” Marcos said on the sidelines of a meeting on Monday. “He was different — one of a kind. The best Pope in my lifetime, as far as I’m concerned.”

The President described Pope Francis as “a man of profound faith and humility,” who led not only with wisdom but with “a heart open to all — especially the poor and the forgotten.”

“The Philippines joins the global Catholic community in mourning the loss of His Holiness, Pope Francis,” he said. “Through his example, Pope Francis showed us that being a good Christian means showing kindness and compassion to others. His humility brought many back to the Church.”

In a statement, Malacañang said: “Filipinos will always remember Pope Francis and his call to the Filipino faithful to reinvigorate daily their zeal to connect with and reach out to those in the margins, and to work collectively to protect the environment.”

2015 visit recalled

Jose Cardinal Advincula fondly remembered Pope Francis’s 2015 visit to the Philippines, calling it “a moment of grace forever etched in our national memory.”

“Under the rain in Tacloban, standing with survivors of typhoon ‘Yolanda,’ Pope Francis showed us what it truly means to suffer with others — and to find hope in the midst of pain,” Advincula said.

“At the Luneta, as he celebrated the Holy Eucharist with millions, he embraced our joy, our faith, and our longing for a Church that journeys with its people. His presence, prayers, and preaching strengthened our faith, lifted our spirits, and inspired us to love more deeply. We will always remember his special affection for Filipinos around the world,” he said.

In a separate statement, Lingayen-Dagupan Archbishop Socrates Villegas — who was president of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines during the papal visit — paid tribute to the late Pope, affectionately known to Filipinos as Lolo Kiko.

“He was the gift of the Good Shepherd to the Church,” Villegas said. “He served us with humility. He showed us God’s mercy. He built bridges of compassion — between believers and even with those outside the faith.”

“He bravely challenged our complacency and prejudices. He taught us to care for God’s creation. He taught us Jesus. For us, Pope Francis was our Jesus for this generation.”