CEBU CITY – Cebu Archbishop Jose Palma urged the Catholic faithful to stand united and pray for the peaceful repose of Pope Francis.
Palma also urged the faithful to remember Pope Francis in their prayers and Eucharistic celebrations and the Lord may welcome him into the joy of His kingdom.
“Papa Francis showed his love especially for the poor. As the Holy Pope, he always reminded us to remember the love of the Lord, to value our family,” Palma said in a message released after the death of the pope on Monday, April 21.
“Let us be united and thank the Lord for the service of Papa Francisco,” Palma said.
Palma said that Pope Francis had a heart for the poor when he was elected as pope in 2013.
Francis’ compassion for the needy was greatly felt by Filipinos when he visited the Philippines in 2015 and comforted typhoon Yolanda survivors in Tacloban City.
In his visit, Francis urged families to pray and rise from challenges together. He inspired the youth to lead with humility and compassion as he called on Filipinos to live their faith with joy, service, and solidarity.