President Marcos has expressed deep sorrow over Pope Francis's passing, saying the latter was the best pope in his lifetime.

"Ibang klase si Pope Francis (Pope Francis is different). That's really sad," he said on the sidelines of a meeting on Monday, April 21.

"I love this Pope. The best Pope in my lifetime, as far as I'm concerned," he added.

In a Facebook post, President Marcos described the Pope's passing as a "profoundly sad day."

"A man of profound faith and humility, Pope Francis led not only with wisdom but with a heart open to all, especially the poor and the forgotten," he said.

"It is a profoundly sad day," he added.

According to Marcos, Pope Francis taught humanity to extend kindness and care to one another.

"His humility brought many back to the fold of the Church," he said.

"As we mourn his passing, we honor a life that brought hope and compassion to so many, and inspired us to love one another as Christ loved us," he added.

Before his passing, Pope Francis, affectionately known among Filipinos as "Lolo Kiko," appeared before the crowd at St. Peter's Square with a message of "Happy Easter."

According to Vatican News, Pope Francis passed away at 7:35 a.m. local time on Monday. He was 88.

In February, Marcos expressed deep concern over the health of Pope Francis, following reports that the Holy Father was battling a serious illness.

"Sa mga sandaling ito, kaisa tayo ng buong mundo sa panalangin para sa kanyang kalakasan at paggaling (In these moments, we join the whole world in prayer for his strength and recovery)," he said.

"Nawa’y patuloy siyang patnubayan at palakasin ng Panginoon upang magpatuloy sa kanyang misyon ng pananampalataya at pagmamahal sa sangkatauhan (May the Lord continue to guide and strengthen him to continue his mission of faith and love for humanity)," he added.

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, Pope Francis was elected Supreme Pontiff on March 13, 2013. He became the first pope from the Americas and the first Jesuit to hold the position.

Pope Francis made a historic visit to the Philippines in 2015, following the devastation caused by Super Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan) in 2013.

During his visit, Pope Francis celebrated Mass at the Manila Cathedral and the Pontifical and Royal University of Santo Tomas.

The Pontiff also held an emotional outdoor Mass in Tacloban City amid strong rains and winds brought about by an approaching storm.

In his encounters with Filipino priests, seminarians, religious community members, youth, and public leaders, Pope Francis spoke passionately about the centrality of the marginalized and dispossessed and the primacy of their needs in spreading the Gospel.