Tacloban City mass for Pope Francis (Ellson Quismorio/ MANILA BULLETIN)

TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte--As the mass in remembrance of Pope Francis ended here, the funeral for the late Pontiff began over at Piazza San Pedro (Saint Peter’s Square) in Vatican City.

The succession of the two events appeared to prove in real time what Msgr. Ramon Stephen Aguilos stated in his homily--that the tarmac of the New Daniel Z. Romualdez Airport and the Piazza in Rome were "spiritually entwined".

Pope Francis was deeply beloved to Waraynons, which was why the mass was held in his honor Saturday afternoon, April 26, just days after his passing on Easter Sunday.

It was at this airport tarmac that Pope Francis touched the hearts of thousands of locals after he held a mass 10 years ago in the aftermath of super typhoon "Yolanda".

Aguilos hailed Pope Francis for standing with the people here "in our darkest hour".

"We here in Tacloban join in solemn remembrance. Our hearts are united with the universal church," he said as live feed from the Vatican was beamed on two large monitors over his shoulder.

"Ten years ago, on Jan. 17, 2015, this whole place became a sanctuary--a sanctuary of hope. Drenched in rain, yes, but radiant with faith. Today we return to this place with gratitude, honoring a shepherd who came to console the survivors of typhoon Yolanda. A Pontiff who walked with us as a father, a friend, and a bearer of God's mercy," Aguilos said.

He was joined by Rev. Fr. Mark Ivo Velasquez, Rev. Fr. Paulino Cabahit Jr., Rev. Fr. Engelbert Tiu, Rev. Fr. Goldie Kenn Zabala, Rev. Fr. Aldwin Roy Cabelin Nartea and Rev. Fr. Michael Kirby Lauron as co-celebrants.

"The Piazza and this tarmac, and this apron are spiritually related, they are spiritually entwined," Aguilos said.

He described Piazza San Pietro as "the grand heart of the Church, a space where the whole universal church gathers, where people gather, where heaven meets the earth".

"Yes, but also here--this apron, this tarmac--is the humble heart of Yolanda recovery. Here also, people gathered that day. Francis spoke of peace in Piazza, while here he spoke of presence, his own presence," he recalled.

Before the 3 p.m. Holy Mass, a series of videos featuring the life of Pope Francis were shown, accompanied by worship songs performed by the I Love Tacloban Singers.

Msgr. Ramon Stephen Aguilos (in yellow garb)

The mass was seen not only an occasion for mourning, but as a tribute to a spiritual leader who walked with the suffering, led with humility, and offered the world a powerful example of mercy.

In attendance was House Speaker Martin Romualdez, Leyte's 1st district representative; Tingog Party-list Rep. Jude Acidre, and other local officials.

Yolanda survivors also joined the mass. It rained just before the event, bringing back memories of Pope Francis' visit in 2015.

Local resident Maribeth dela Peña was among those who the Pope in person that day.

"Naalala namin si Pope Francis noong pumunta siya dito sa Tacloban. Ramdam namin ang pagmamahal na ipinakita niya sa amin, tapos yung kahit na malayo ang mga tao, pinuntahan niya pa rin," she said.

(We remember Pope Francis when he came here to Tacloban. We felt the love he showed us, and even though the people were far away, he still went to them.)

"Ipinakita niya na may pag-asa kami...na bumangon ulit. Masakit sa damdamin namin na wala na siya (He showed us that there is hope...that we can rise again. It pains our hearts that he is no longer here)," Dela Peña added.