Pope Francis in Manila (Mark Balmores/ MANILA BULLETIN)

House of Representatives members from various districts, sectors, and political affiliations have come out to give sweet tributes to the late Vatican leader--Argentina's Jorge Mario Bergoglio, more popularly known as Pope Francis.

Pope Francis passed away on Monday, April 21, at the age of 88.

"My family and I are heartbroken over the passing of Pope Francis. For me, he was more than a spiritual leader; he was a personal role model in service, humility, and courage," Ako Bicol Party-list Rep. Zaldy Co, president of tthe Party-list Coalition Foundation Inc (PCFI).

"He lived simply. He spoke gently. He told jokes. And he welcomed everyone with open arms. He was fearless in speaking for what is true and right. His passing leaves a deep wound. We will forever live his legacy of kindness and embrace of the poor and the neglected," Co said of the Pontiff.

Pope Francis' special connection to Filipinos wasn't lost on Albay 2nd district Rep. Joey Salceda.

"As the first pope from what’s called the Global South, the first pope from a former colony of Spain like us, Francis brought hope to a lot of us," said Salceda, chairman of the Committee of Ways and Means.

"His fight for climate justice was a fight for places like Albay, which disproportionately suffer from the worst impacts of climate change," he said.

"May he rest in peace, and may his successor bring the same kind of passion for climate justice, which Francis emphasized as a core part of the Church’s role in the world," added Salceda.

Manila 3rd district Rep. Joel Chua said that the world "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," said the Committee on Good Government and Public Accountability chairman.

Chua said he was shocked by Pope Francis' passing as he thought he was "recovering from hospitalization and even made public appearances these past few days".

"Let us pray for the eternal repose of his soul in the loving grace of our Almighty God," AGRI Party-list Rep. Wilbert T. Lee said of Pope Francis, whom Filipinos endearingly called "Lolo Kiko".

"Mananatiling inspirasyon ang legasiya niya ng pagsusulong ng katarungang panlipunan, pagkakapantay-pantay, kababaang-loob, kapayapaan, pagmamahalan at malasakit sa isa’t isa, lalo na sa pinaka-nangangailangan," he said.

(His legacy of advocating for social justice, equality, humility, peace, love, and compassion for one another, especially for those most in need, will remain an inspiration.)

Builder of bridges between Muslims and Christians

An assistant majority leader from Mindanao, Lanao del Sur 1st district Rep. Zia Alonto Adiong gave his "heartfelt condolences" to Catholic world and the Holy See over its loss.

"I join the global community in extending our sympathies to a leader whose moral courage, humility, and tireless pursuit of peace touched the lives of millions across faiths and continents," he said.

"In what would become his last Easter message, he once again called for peace in our troubled world, with a particular plea for an end to the violence and suffering of the Palestinian people. His words reminded us all of the sacredness of every human life, regardless of nationality or religion, and the urgent need for peace rooted in justice," Adiong said.

"Pope Francis will be remembered not only as a shepherd of the Catholic Church but one of the leading voices for a more just and conscionable world. His deep empathy for the oppressed, including the Palestinian people, and his efforts to build bridges between Muslims and Christians will live on in the hearts of all who yearn for a more humane and compassionate world," he added.

For Deputy Minority Leader Bagong Henerasyon (BH) Party-list Rep. Bernadette Herrera, Pope Francis "was a moral voice in our time — steadfast, compassionate, and deeply committed to those too often overlooked".

"He reminded the world that justice begins with how we treat the poor and the voiceless...BH Party-list will honor his memory by pushing for inclusive, compassionate policies that reflect his teachings,” she said.

“His call to serve the least among us shaped how I approach legislation. Every policy must consider the needs of solo parents, protect women and children, and give every family a chance to thrive,” she added.

Herrera recalled the Pope's January 2015 visit to the Philippines, especially his decision to be present in Tacloban City, Leyte after the devastation caused by Super Typhoon "Yolanda".

“In the middle of loss, he stood with the people. He came not with promises, but with presence. That meant everything,” she said.

Moral compass

Makabayan solons also praised the Vatican leader for what he stood for.

“Pope Francis was not only the head of the Catholic Church but also a moral compass in our troubled times He reminded the world that true faith must be lived through service to the oppressed and the defense of human dignity," said Gabriela Party-list Rep. Arlene Brosas.

She said Pope Francis challenged the Church to be more inclusive and compassionate, famously declaring, “If someone is gay and is searching for the Lord and has good will, then who am I to judge him?”

“He was a radical for love and justice. His calls for systemic change—whether in the economy, environmental policy, or the Church—resonated with the struggles of teachers, workers, farmers, and the poor," said Rep. France Castro of ACT Teachers Party-list.

For his part, Kabataan Party-list Rep. Raoul Manuel said that the late Pontiff "showed that genuine spirituality must go hand-in-hand with political courage".

“He reminded us that defending human rights, speaking truth to power, and caring for the poor are not only political acts—they are moral imperatives," Manuel said.

Former Bayan Muna Party-list Rep. Carlos Zarate said Pope Francis' "legacy of humility, empathy, unwavering dedication to the poor, and his passionate defense of our shared environment will continue to inspire generations to come".