The world is grieving the loss of Pope Francis, but in the Philippines, the sorrow is especially deep.

The country, with its rich Catholic heritage, has long been touched by the Pope’s visits, his messages of hope, and his unwavering compassion.

As Pope Francis passes, the Filipino people, led by President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. and First Lady Louise “Liza” Araneta-Marcos, have come together to honor his legacy and bid him a heartfelt farewell.

On Saturday night, President Marcos shared his personal grief over the loss of the Pope.

His tribute was not just from a leader but from a Filipino who had felt a deep connection to Pope Francis and his message of faith, mercy and compassion.

The President attended the Pope’s funeral, saying it was a way for him to pay his respects to a figure who had profoundly impacted the lives of millions of Filipinos.

“I attended Pope Francis’ funeral to offer a heartfelt tribute — from a nation strong in faith, to a Pope who touched the hearts of millions,” the President said.

His words resonated deeply with many Filipinos who have long regarded Pope Francis not just as the head of the Catholic Church, but as a spiritual leader who understood the struggles of the people.

President Marcos went on to say, “I joined, not just as a President, but as a Filipino — carrying the prayers and hopes of every Filipino who wished to be there and express their gratitude.”

FL, too

Mrs. Marcos, who has had a personal connection with Pope Francis, also took to social media on Sunday to share a heartfelt tribute to the late pontiff.

In her post, she reflected on the profound impact the Pope had on her life and on the Filipino people.

“From every corner of the world, whether in person or through the screen, hearts came together to honor a leader who made each of us feel seen, heard and truly loved,” the First Lady said.

“We carry Lolo Kiko’s message of kindness, humility and hope — a light that will forever guide us Filipinos and inspire generations to come,” she added,

In the Philippines, Pope Francis was lovingly referred to as “Lolo Kiko” (Grandfather Kiko), a title that symbolizes the deep affection and reverence Filipinos had for him.

Mrs. Marcos also recently shared a photo of herself with Pope Francis, recalling that meeting him was a “blessing I will always carry in my heart.”

She wrote, “To have met Pope Francis was a blessing I will always carry in my heart. His words were soft, but his message was mighty: mercy, humility, and love above all.”

Pope Francis’ ties to the Philippines go back many years, but his 2015 visit solidified his place in the hearts of Filipinos.

During that historic visit, the Pope drew a record-breaking crowd of up to seven million people, making it the largest gathering in the history of the Catholic Church.

His visit to Tacloban, where he met survivors of typhoon “Haiyan,” was a powerful moment that cemented his deep connection with the Filipino people.

His compassion for those affected by the devastating storm was palpable, and his words brought comfort to a nation in mourning.