Roman Catholic archdioceses across the country mourned the death of Pope Francis on Easter Monday.

They issued statements on their Facebook pages after the Vatican announced his death.

POPE Francis' body is laid out in state inside his private chapel at the Vatican, Monday, April 21, 2025. (Vatican Media via AP, HO)

“May we pause for a moment and pray for the eternal repose of Pope Francis who died today Monday, April 21, 2025, at the age of 88 at his residence in the Vatican's Casa Santa Marta. Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord!” the Archdiocese of Tuguegarao said.

“Let us spend some moments of silence and pray for the eternal repose of His Holiness, Pope Francis.
Eternal rest grant unto Pope Francis, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May his soul and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen,” the Archdiocese of Nueva Segovia said.

The archdiocese conducted a prayer service for the eternal repose of Pope Francis on Tuesday, April 22, in Vigan City, Ilocos Sur at 5 p.m.

“Paalam, Salamat, Lolo Kiko. The world mourns the passing of Pope Francis, a humble shepherd of peace, compassion, and mercy. May his soul rest in eternal light,” the Archdiocese of Lipa said.

The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of San Fernando prayed for the eternal repose of his soul in the native dialect Kapampangan.

The Apostolic Vicariate of Bontoc-Lagawe shared a statement from the Vatican on its Facebook page.

“With great sadness, we share the news of the passing of the Holy Father, Pope Francis.  At 9:45 a.m. on Easter Monday, Cardinal Kevin Farrell, Camerlengo of the Apostolic Chamber, spoke these words at the Casa Santa Marta: "Dearest brothers and sisters, with deep sorrow I must announce the death of our Holy Father Francis. At 7:35 this morning, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the house of the Father. His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and of His Church. He taught us to live the values of the Gospel with fidelity, courage, and universal love, especially in favor of the poorest and most marginalized. With immense gratitude for his example as a true disciple of the Lord Jesus, we commend the soul of Pope Francis to the infinite merciful love of the One and Triune God."

Archbishop Villegas

Archbishop Socrates Villegas noted that the pontiff has returned to the "House of the Father."

“His Holiness Pope Francis has returned to the House of the Father today Easter Monday. 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,” he said.

“He was the gift of the Good Shepherd to the Church. He served us with humility. He showed us God's mercy. He linked us with bridges of compassion with fellow believers and with non-believers. He bravely disturbed us in our complacency and prejudices. He taught us to care for God's creation. He taught us Jesus. Pope Francis was our Jesus for our age,” the head of the Lingayen-Dagupan archdiocese added.

He also reminisced the time Pope Francis visited the Philippines in January 2015, where his presence, he said, made people feel that Jesus was with the people.

“The images of his memorable visit to the Philippines are clear and vivid in our grateful hearts. In sunshine or under the rain, he made us feel the love of God. The rains and our tears of joy were mixed running down our cheeks. We knew that in him, Jesus was in our midst,” Villegas said.

He also shared how the pope got his back when he spoke against the extrajudicial killings of the past administration. 

“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,” the Catholic prelate added. (PNA)

Diocese of Butuan

The Diocese of Butuan called  on the faithful to unite in solidarity with the global Catholic community to honor the late head of the Church.

Bishop Cosme Damian Almedilla issued an instruction on Monday afternoon directing all parishes within the diocese to ring their church bells every evening at 8 p.m. for two minutes.

“This period is a time for solemn reflection and communal prayer, honoring the life and dedicated service of our beloved Pope Francis,” the diocese stated.

The diocese also urged the faithful throughout Agusan del Norte and Butuan City to come together in faith and remembrance. (PNA)

Baguio Cathedral

The Baguio Cathedral Our Lady of the Atonement has expressed deep sorrow over the passing of Pope Francis on Easter Monday.

The church will hold a Requiem Mass in his honor on Friday, April 25, at 5:15 p.m. It will be led by Bishop of Baguio Most Rev. Rafael T. Cruz, D.D.

Catholics in Baguio City also mourned the death of the Pope at the age of 88.

Mayor Benjamin Magalong said Pope Francis was a true model of humility, compassion, and unwavering faith. (Zaldy Comanda)

Iloilo

Iloilo mourned the death of Pope Francis on Easter Monday.

The Archdiocese of Jaro has called on the faithful in Iloilo City, the 42 towns and component city in Iloilo province, and the five towns in Guimaras province to offer prayers for Pope Francis.

“We mourn his death because of deep love. Yet celebrate with gratitude his life and ministry that has touched and blessed us all,” said Jaro Archbishop Midyphil “Dodong” Billones in a message on Tuesday, April 22.

“It is beautiful that his crossing to eternity happened during Easter Monday or Lunedi di Angelo,” added Billones. (Tara Yap)

Dumaguete

DUMAGUETE CITY – Bishop Julito Cortes of the Diocese of Dumaguete on Monday called on the Catholic faithful to pray for Pope Francis.

Cortes, who read his message during a Holy Mass on Easter Monday at his residence as tribute to the late Holy Father, said “that as the successor of Peter and Shepherd of the Universal Church, Pope Francis was a tireless witness to the Gospel – calling us to mercy, compassion, and synodality.”

“He led us with humility, courage, and a deep love for the poor, for creation and the People of God,” he added.

Cortes vowed that the late Pontiff’s “vision of a synodal Church” will continue in the life of the Diocese and in the hearts of its people. (PNA)

Diocese of Palo 

TACLOBAN CITY – Archbishop John Du of the Diocese of Palo in Leyte asked the faithful to join the global Catholic community in prayer and mourning the passing of Pope Francis.

"His visit left an indelible mark on our hearts, and his leadership continues to inspire us in faith and resilience," he said.

The Pope visited Leyte 14 months after super typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan) battered Eastern Visayas on Nov. 13, 2013.

“When I saw in Rome that catastrophe, I felt I had to be here. And on those very days, I decided to come here. I’m here to be with you,” Pope Francis said during his visit.

Du said his visit brought hope and comfort to the community.

The Pope had to cut his trip short in Leyte due to tropical storm "Amang" on Jan. 17, 2014. (Marie Tonette Marticio)

Cebu

CEBU CITY – Cebu Archbishop Jose Palma urged the Catholic faithful to stand united and pray for the peaceful repose of Pope Francis.

Palma also urged the faithful to remember Pope Francis in their prayers and Eucharistic celebrations and the Lord may welcome him into the joy of His kingdom.

“Papa Francis showed his love especially for the poor. As the Holy Pope, he always reminded us to remember the love of the Lord, to value our family,” Palma said in a message released after the death of the pope on Monday, April 21.

“Let us be united and thank the Lord for the service of Papa Francisco,” Palma said.

Palma said that Pope Francis had a heart for the poor when he was elected as pope in 2013.

Francis’ compassion for the needy was greatly felt by Filipinos when he visited the Philippines in 2015 and comforted typhoon Yolanda survivors in Tacloban City. (Calvin Cordova)