Senators on Monday, April 21 joined the Catholic community in mourning the passing of Pope Francis who was hailed for his tireless efforts to foster peace and inclusion.

“I join the Catholic Church and the global community in mourning the passing of Pope Francis, a true shepherd of Christ’s flock. His tireless efforts to foster peace and inclusion reshaped the Church’s role in promoting unity across religious and cultural divides,” Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero said.

As the first Latin American pontiff, Escudero noted Pope Francis championed the marginalized, “bringing their voices to the forefront of his papacy and inspiring the world with his message of love and acceptance.”

“Pope Francis’ 2015 visit to the Philippines remains etched in our hearts. During his time here, he consoled those affected by Typhoon Yolanda and called for solidarity and care for the most vulnerable among us,” Escudero recalled.

The Senate leader noted the Pontiff’s words of “mercy and compassion” continue to guide the Filipino people in building a society rooted in empathy and understanding.

“As we honor the life and legacy of Pope Francis, let us carry forward his vision of a world united in peace and kindness. May his dedication to inclusion and harmony inspire us to nurture our shared humanity. We pray for the eternal repose of his soul,” Escudero said.

“From a grateful nation, paalam at maraming salamat, Pope Francis! Rest in eternal peace,” he further said.

Sen. Juan Miguel “Migz” Zubiri, who had the privilege to meet the Pope last year together with his family, also expressed sadness over Pope Francis’ death.

“My heart is heavy with grief for our beloved Lolo Kiko, our Pope Francis, whose papacy was marked by his extraordinary compassion and humility,” Zubiri said.

“He was truly Christ-like in his leadership of the Church, always prioritizing those who are most vulnerable among us—victims of poverty, illness, war, and injustice,” he pointed out.

In an increasingly fractured and tumultuous world, Zubiri said Pope Francis’ message of love and service rang loud in its simplicity.

“He was a working Pope, ready to come down from the pulpit and engage with the problems of the world alongside the rest of us,” he said.

“He showed us that being a Pope is not about the vestments or the ceremony. It is about being a vehicle for love and mercy,” added the former Senate leader.

Zubiri said his meeting with Pope Francis and receiving his personal blessing at the Vatican last year, is an experience that he would never forget.

“His reminder to protect the family will always live with me, and always guide everything that I do as a Catholic and as a public servant,” Zubiri said recalling the Pope’s stand on divorce.

Sen. Risa Hontiveros also said she is saddened over the death of Pope Francis, whom she said is “the greatest aspect about our Church today.”

“I join my fellow Catholics and the whole world in weeping over the passing of our beloved Pope Francis, the greatest aspect about our Church today. Pope Francis was a real progressive in every sense of the word,” Hontiveros said.

“He saw to it that the Church was truly a Church of the poor. He even took it further and called on the Church to listen and learn,” added the lawmaker.

Hontiveros said she remembers him best for his clarion call to action on the climate crisis, his welcoming of women into leadership positions in the Church, and his making God’s love felt by marginalized communities across the world, especially in areas wracked by violence and conflict.

“Let us keep him in our memory by living the virtues he had always preached: Mercy, compassion, and hope. Let us show mercy for the most vulnerable among us, compassion towards each other, and hope just as the late Pope hoped for peace and justice,” she said.

For Sen. Grace Poe, Pope Francis will be remembered for using his voice to spread love.

“He was firmly committed to inclusivity; welcoming minorities and the most powerless and vulnerable into the arms of the Church. He spoke against greed and corruption. He called for a ceasefire on all conflicts, and urged the use of resources to feed the hungry,” Poe emphasized.

“His wisdom came from a life of service, living among the poorest of the poor. We mourn the loss of his leadership that was both humble and courageous,” she added.

Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Ejercito Estrada said that as a devout Catholic he finds it difficult to express the depth of my feelings in losing such a spiritual and compassionate leader.

“He brought hope and healing to over a billion Catholics, including countless Filipinos, especially the survivors of Typhoon Yolanda,” Estrada said.

Estrada said his historic visit in 2015 left a lasting impact on Filipinos “as he reminded us of the power of faith and kindness when facing life’s challenges.”

“We have lost not only a pontiff but also a loving Holy Father whose papacy was characterized by teachings of humility, compassion for the poor, equality, Church reform, mercy, and many other virtues. I am one with Filipino people in extending heartfelt condolences to the Vatican and to Catholics around the world. Rest in peace, Holy Father,” he said.

Senators Imee Marcos and Manuel “Lito” Lapid, in separate statement, also grieved the loss of Pope Francis.