Former senator and senatorial candidate Bam Aquino remembered Pope Francis and his life of service to the poor as he bid farewell to the pontiff who will be laid to rest on Saturday, April 26, at 3 p.m. (Manila time).

Former senator Bam Aquino's close encounter with Pope Francis (Photo from Bam Aquino Facebook page)

In a post on Facebook, the former official once again shared a photo of his encounter with the beloved Pope.

“We continue to reflect on his life, on his service to the Church and what it meant to the whole world. Na-inspire ako nang matalaga siyang bagong Papa noong 2013. Hindi siya taga Europa o taga Amerika – siya’y taga South America na tulad nating mga Pilipino – nasa laylayan ng mundo (I was inspired when he was appointed as Pope in 2013. He’s not from Europe or the United States — he’s from South America and like us Filipinos — are in the fringes of the world),” he wrote.

“Sa pagtawag sa kanyang Pope Francis, ang mahihirap ang inuna niya, at sa mahigit na isang dekada niyang pamumuno – parati niyang paalala sa atin – huwag kalimutan ang mahihirap (In choosing the name Pope Francis, he prioritized the poor, and in the more than 10 years of leading — he always reminds us — do not forget the poor),” he added.

Aquino looked back at how the pontiff has fought for and embraced the sick, migrant workers, refugees, indigenous people, and non-Catholics, and how he called for peace and criticized the war on the internet, fake news, and disinformation.

Despite the power that he could’ve wielded, Aquino said the Holy Father chose to live a simple life, far away from the trappings of wealth and luxury.

“Maraming salamat, Pope Francis. Patuloy kang magiging tanglaw at gabay sa aming lahat. Sisikapin naming isasabuhay ang iyong mga halimbawa – ang mapagkalingang pamumuno at pagmamahal sa lahat lalo na sa mga nasa laylayan (Thank you, Pope Francis. May you continue to be the light and guide for us. We will endeavor to live by your example — a compassionate leadership and love to all who are on the fringes),” he wrote.

The pontiff died on Easter Monday, April 21, due to stroke and heart failure. He will be laid to rest at the Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore today, with the procession expected to draw more than a million mourners through the six-kilometer route.

President Marcos and First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos will attend the Pope’s funeral.