Honor the late Pope Francis not just with prayers, but by living out his legacy of compassion, humility, and mission, Manila Archbishop Jose F. Cardinal Advincula urged the faithful.
 

Speaking at the Manila Cathedral, the archbishop of Manila described Pope Francis as a “precious gift of God” and called on Filipinos to rise from mourning with renewed faith and purpose.

“We pray for the eternal repose of the soul of our dear Pope Francis. Let us honor his memory by learning from his teachings and following his example of Christian life,” Advincula said in his homily on Tuesday, April 22.

“From the very beginning of his Petrine ministry, the Holy Father has reminded us that the Church must be close to the poor, merciful to all, and a welcoming home for the forgotten.”

Advincula recalled the late pontiff’s historic visit to the Philippines in 2015, particularly his compassion during his Tacloban visit amid the devastation of Typhoon Yolanda.

“Under the rain in Tacloban, standing with the survivors… Pope Francis showed us what it means to suffer with others and find hope in the midst of pain,” he said. 

“In Luneta, as he celebrated the Holy Eucharist with millions, he embraced our joy, our faith, and our longing for a Church that walks with its people.”

The homily reflected on three movements seen in Gospel accounts of the Risen Christ: recognition, conversion, and mission. Cardinal Advincula connected these to the legacy of the late Pope.

Also, Advincula highlighted Pope Francis’ words: “To meet the living God we must tenderly kiss the wounds of Jesus in our hungry people, in the sick and in imprisoned brothers and sisters.”

Reflecting on the Pope’s Easter message this year, delivered just days before his passing, the cardinal quoted him: “We cannot settle for the fleeting things of this world or give in to sadness; we must run, filled with joy. Let us run towards Jesus, let us rediscover the inestimable grace of being his friends.”

Advincula also recalled his personal ties to Pope Francis, who appointed him 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 said.

The archbishop called on Catholics to live out the faith Pope Francis so passionately preached.

“Like Mary Magdalene, may we come to say: ‘I have seen the Lord!’ so that we may be filled with joy and give life to others.”