Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Ejercito Estrada has filed a resolution sending condolences to the Vatican and expressing sympathy on the death of Pope Francis, the Supreme Pontiff of the Roman Catholic Church.

The Pope, born as Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, Argentina, passed away on April 21, 2025 at the age of 88.

In filing Senate Resolution No. 1342, Estrada honored Pope Francis and cited his remarkable journey as the first pope from Latin America.

“Pope Francis was more than just a spiritual leader. He was a symbol of humility, compassion, and social justice. His messages of hope, inclusion, and mercy touched not only Catholics, but the entire world,” Estrada said.

Pope Francis, known for his progressive stance on key social issues and his simplicity brought a renewed spirit to the papacy, according to the senator.

He noted that in his 12-year tenure, the Pope consistently emphasized the importance of caring for the marginalized, promoting peace, and advocating for environmental stewardship.

Pope Francis also became a global voice for dignity, human rights, and reconciliation, Estrada said.

The most memorable moment for Filipinos, Estrada recalled, was the Pope’s apostolic visit to the Philippines in 2015, where he personally comforted victims of Super Typhoon Yolanda in Tacloban, Leyte.

“His presence brought healing and hope to a nation in mourning,” the senator said.

“His passing is a great loss to the Catholic community and to humanity. We extend our deepest condolences to the Vatican and the millions around the world who mourn the death of a servant of God whose profound commitment to justice, mercy and solidarity has transcended faith and borders,” he said.

“Pope Francis has ably represented his position as the Vicar of Christ and pontifex maximus (Supreme Pontiff), trumpeting messages of hope, peace and ultimately, simplicity, to the faithful,” Estrada said.

SRN 1342 further highlighted the Pope’s early years of service, particularly when he held humble jobs such as janitor, bouncer, and laboratory assistant before entering the Jesuit order in 1958.

He was ordained in 1969, served as Jesuit Provincial Superior in Argentina, then later became Archbishop of Buenos Aires.

Later, Pope John Paul II promoted him to cardinal in 2001. He ascended to the papacy in 2013 following the resignation of Pope Benedict XVI.