Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) president Cardinal Pablo Virgilio David on Monday, April 21 called on churches to ring their bells and gather the faithful in prayer following the death of Pope Francis.

The Vatican earlier confirmed that Pope Francis passed away at the age of 88.

He has served as the 266th pope of the Roman Catholic Church since 2013.

The official announcement of the Pope’s passing was made in a video statement from the Casa Santa Marta, the Pope’s official residence, in the presence of Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin.

The message was posted on the Vatican’s official Facebook page.

“Dearest brothers and sisters, with profound sorrow I have to announce to the death of our Holy Father, Pope Francis. At 7:35 this morning, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the Father’s house. His life has entirely been dedicated to the service of the Lord and His Church. He has taught us to live the values of the Gospel with faithfulness, courage, and universal love. In a particular way, in favor of the poorest and the marginalized. With immense gratitude for his example as a true disciple of the Lord Jesus, we commend the soul of Pope Francis to the infinitely merciful love of our One and Triune God,” said Cardinal Parolin.

Pope Francis visited the Philippines in January 2015, where he brought comfort to millions, particularly in typhoon-stricken areas like Tacloban.

His emphasis on compassion, solidarity with the poor, and environmental care left a lasting impact on the Filipino people.

Message of sorrow, hope

Lingayen-Dagupan Archbishop Socrates Villegas, who was CBCP president during Pope Francis’ visit to the Philippines, expressed sorrow and hope for the late pontiff.

“Although we grieve like orphans because he was truly ‘Lolo Kiko’ for us, we also stand firm in faith and hope that the radiance of the risen Lord will shine upon him forever,” Villegas said in a statement.

He described Pope Francis as a servant of humility who brought the love of God to the Philippines, whether under sunshine or rain.

Villegas also recalled the Pope’s encouragement during a time of personal hardship, when he faced threats over his outspoken opposition to extrajudicial killings.

“When I was mocked and ridiculed and threatened by government authorities in my stand against the extra-judicial killings, he assured me and encouraged me personally in Rome to carry on my task of guiding the flock through my pastoral letters. He knew his bishops. He knew our tears. He knew us and he loved us. He taught us not to fear,” he said.

“I know that like another saint of humility, Saint Therese of the Child Jesus, our beloved Pope Francis will spend his heaven doing good here on earth. We pray for Pope Francis,” he added.

Manila Archbishop Jose Cardinal Advincula also expressed grief for the pope’s passing.

“Together with our universal Church and all persons of goodwill, we mourn his death. As we reflect on the journey of Pope Francis pontificate, our hearts are filled with gratitude for the gift of his person, a precious gift of God to the Church and to the world—and in a very special way to us as a Filipino people,” he said.

“On a personal note, I remember his enrollment of me to College of Cardinals and appointment as Archbishop of Manila in 2021. More importantly, we remember him for joyfully witnessing to the Gospel in our world marred by calamity, conflict, and despair,” he added.

Advincula recalled Pope Francis’ appointment of several Filipino cardinals and bishops who embodied his values of service, simplicity, and dialogue.

“Throughout his pontificate, our Lolo Kiko was a true father to us and has continued to show his love for the Philippines—not only through words, but through actions. He appointed many of our shepherds—including three cardinals and many bishops—who share his heart for service, simplicity, and dialogue. And as we celebrated 500 years of Christianity in our land, the Holy Father was with us, thanking God with us for the gift of faith, and encouraging us to continue sharing it with the world,” he said.