BACOLOD CITY – The city government and the provincial government of Negros Oriental mourned the death of Pope Francis on Easter Monday.

In a statement released on Monday hours after the announcement of the pope’s death, Mayor Albee Benitez said that Pope Francis’s life was a testament to humility, compassion, and unwavering faith.

“As the first pope from the Global South, he brought the Church closer to the margins-amplifying the voices of the poor, the forgotten, and the suffering,” Benitez said.

His message of mercy and love resonated across cultures and creeds, reminding us all of the sacred value of human dignity, he added.

“We offer our prayers for the eternal repose of Pope Francis' soul, and we give thanks for his life of service, wisdom, and moral courage,” the mayor said.

May his memory inspire us to lead lives marked by justice, compassion, and peace, he added.

Gov. Manuel “Chaco” Sagarbarria, in a statement, said that the people of Negros Oriental enjoin the entire society in mourning the pope’s passing.

“It is with great despair to know that today, the Catholic community, and the world, lost another pope,” he said.

The provincial government noted that the pope’s leadership was characterized by a profound commitment to social justice, interfaith dialogue, and environmental stewardship. 

The passing of such a pivotal figure evokes not only grief but also reflection on his enduring impact, it said.

Pope Francis's emphasis on mercy and understanding provides a framework for coping with loss, the provincial government said.

The Filipino cultural practices surrounding death highlight the importance of communal support during periods of mourning. 

We are reminded that while we grieve individually, we also share in a collective experience that fosters healing through memories and shared values, it said.