With the news of Pope Francis’ passing on Monday, April 21, former senator Bam Aquino remembered his two visits to the pontiff, from whom he learned about humility and courage.

Former senator Bam Aquino's close encounter with Pope Francis (Photo from Bam Aquino Facebook page)

In a post on Facebook shortly after Vatican announced the Pope’s death, Aquino, who is running for senator in next month's elections, shared photos of his two encounters—in 2017 and 2018–with the pontiff during his visits in Vatican City.

“Isang mahalagang aral na tumatak sa puso at isip ko noong ilang beses akong nagkaroon ng pagkakataon na makausap si Pope Francis: Hindi madali ang pagiging Kristiyano (An important lesson etched in my heart and mind when I had the chance to meet and talk with Pope Francis: It is not easy to be a Christian),” he wrote.

“Ang totoong pananampalataya sa Diyos ay walang takot na paninindigan sa Diyos at kapwa (True faith to the Lord is fearlessly standing up for Him and your fellowmen). Against all odds, in humility and courage,” he added.

The senatorial candidate then thanked the pontiff for the “inspiration.”

Voice of clarity

Meanwhile, former senators Leila de Lima and Kiko Pangilinan also expressed their sadness over the Pope’s passing, describing him as a “voice of clarity” and “compassion.”

“He was a voice of clarity amid confusion, and a steady presence for those cast aside by systems that value wealth and control over human dignity. He stood with the poor, the imprisoned, the migrant, and the forgotten—not to speak over them, but to elevate their truth before a world too willing to look away,” a statement from Mamamayang Liberal (ML) Partylist said.

De Lima is the first nominee of ML.

“Through his papacy, Pope Francis reminded us all that there can be no peace without justice, and no justice without compassion. He urged leaders to act with humility, institutions to serve with mercy, and communities to resist apathy. He showed that reform is not only possible—it is necessary, especially when power loses its way,” she said.

“As we mourn his passing, we commit ourselves anew to the values he lived—compassion with courage, mercy with accountability, and faith with action,” she added.

Good leader

Pangilinan, for his part, remembered Pope Francis for embracing the poor and paving the way for unity and peace.

“Nagpapasalamat kami sa biyaya ng kanyang buhay—isang buhay na inalay sa paglilingkod, pagkakawanggawa, at tunay na kababaang-loob. Sa kanyang halimbawa, nakita namin kung paano maging isang mabuting lider: bukas ang puso, may tapang na magbago, at laging handang magmahal (We are thankful for his life—a life offered to service, good deeds, and true humility. By his example, we learned how to be a good leader: with an open heart, has courage to change, and always ready to love),” he said in a statement.

On Easter Sunday, shortly before his passing, the Pope appeared before the crowd at St. Peter's Square with a message of "Happy Easter."

Affectionately called “Lolo Kiko” by Filipinos, he died at 7:35 a.m. local time on Monday, Vatican News said. He was 88.

Pope Francis was admitted to the hospital on Feb. 14 after experiencing breathing difficulties. Initially treated for bronchitis, he was later diagnosed with pneumonia in both lungs.

Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio, he was elected Supreme Pontiff on March 13, 2013. He became the first pope from the Americas and the first Jesuit to hold the position.

During his 12-year tenure as Pope, he pushed for reforms and had an often controversial view—such as same-sex unions—that went against the conservative Catholic Church.