The House of Representatives has expressed through an adopted resolution its profound sorrow over the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis.
House Resolution (HR) No. 2284, principally authored by House Speaker Martin Romualdez, was adopted by the chamber during its resumption of sessions last week following a four-month recess.
The resolution serves as a formal expression of national grief and gratitude, with the House citing Pope Francis' moral leadership, deep compassion, and strong commitment to interfaith harmony, environmental stewardship and social justice.
“Pope Francis was a spiritual leader whose humility and courage changed the world. He elevated the papacy to a symbol of inclusion, justice and love. His memory will live on, not only in the Catholic world, but in the hearts of all who believe in human dignity,” said Romualdez, Leyte's 1st district representative.
Pope Francis passed away last April 21 at the age of 88 in his residence at Casa Santa Marta in Vatican.
Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio, he made history in 2013 when he became the first Jesuit Pope, the first from Latin America and the first to take the name Francis in honor of Saint Francis of Assisi, reflecting his lifelong advocacy for humility and simplicity.
“He walked among the poorest and stood with the voiceless. He sought unity where others saw division. The Filipino people, who lovingly called him Lolo Kiko, will never forget the strength and hope he gave us, especially in our darkest moments,” Romualdez added.
The resolution recounts Pope Francis’ apostolic journey to the Philippines in 2015, including his memorable visit to Tacloban City, Leyte in the aftermath of the devastation caused by Super Typhoon "Yolanda".
The House recognized his presence there as a gesture of immense courage and solidarity with Filipinos who suffered unimaginable loss.
The resolution likewise cites his theological contributions, including encyclicals like Laudato Si’, Fratelli Tutti, and Lumen Fidei, which emphasized social justice, care for creation and universal fraternity.
It also highlights the Holy Father’s efforts in advancing interreligious dialogue, particularly through the landmark signing of the “Document on Human Fraternity” with Grand Imam Ahmed el-Tayeb in 2019. This historic act underscored his belief in the unity of humankind across faiths.
The House described Pope Francis as a reformer who reshaped church governance through transparency and accountability, while remaining faithful to a pastoral vision anchored on mercy.
“His teachings on faith, courage, love, and humility transcend borders and will inspire future generations,” the resolution stated. “His extraordinary spiritual leadership and unwavering love for humanity have left a legacy of peace and hope.”
The adopted measure directs that a copy of the resolution be transmitted to the Apostolic Nunciature in Manila as a sign of the House’s solidarity with the global Catholic community.
The resolution was co-authored by Senior Deputy Speaker Pampanga 3rd district Rep. Aurelio “Dong” Gonzales Jr, House Majority Leader Zamboanga City 2nd Rep. Manuel Jose “Mannix” Dalipe, House Minority Leader 4Ps Party-list Rep. Marcelino Libanan, Senior Deputy Majority Leader Ilocos Norte 1st district Rep. Sandro Marcos, and Tingog Party-list Reps. Yedda Romualdez and Jude Acidre.
Pope Francis has since been replaced by American Robert Francis Prevost, who took on the name Pope Leo XIV.