Manila Mayor Honey Lacuna-Pangan offered prayers for the late Pope Francis, honoring his profound faith and unwavering call for peace, following his passing at the age of 88.

The Vatican confirmed the pope's death on April 21, following complications from a respiratory illness, including double pneumonia and chronic bronchitis.

“We pray for our beloved Pope Francis, who followed the will of God,” said Mayor Lacuna-Pangan in an official statement. 

“Until just before the end, he called for peace in Gaza. He was still with us on Easter Sunday.”

The mayor reflected on the Filipinos' deep connection with the Holy Father, recalling his 2015 apostolic visit to the Philippines. 

“We in Manila will forever have our cherished memories of his papal visit and his audience with the youth at my alma mater, the University of Santo Tomas,” she said.

As the global Catholic community looks to the future, Mayor Lacuna-Pangan joined in collective prayer for the Church’s continued strength and leadership.

“May God grant the world a new pope who will carry the Catholic Church, Christianity, and the world forward in faith, hope, and love, as Pope Francis has done,” she added.

Meanwhile, Representative Atty. Joel R. Chua of Manila’s Third District also expressed deep sorrow over the Pope’s death.

“We are shocked by the sudden passing of Pope Francis,” said Chua. 

“We, here in Quiapo, Binondo, San Nicolas, and Sta. Cruz in Manila, are in shock because Pope Francis was recovering from hospitalization and even made public appearances these past few days.”

“Christendom lost a champion of love, mercy, and compassion. The Catholic Church lost a reformist who strived hard to make the Church a bastion of kindness,” he added.