President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has declared a period of national mourning following the death of Pope Francis, who passed away at 88 years old due to a stroke and irreversible heart failure.
Malacañang announced on Wednesday that the mourning period takes effect immediately and will last until the day of the Pope’s burial. As part of the tribute, “the Philippine flag shall be flown at half-mast on all government buildings and installations in the country and abroad,” according to the Presidential Communications Office.
“We join the world in mourning a leader of faith, love and humanity,” the Palace said in a statement.
Pope Francis, the first Latin American Pope and leader of the Catholic Church since 2013, had been hospitalized for weeks with double pneumonia. His funeral is scheduled for Saturday at St. Peter’s Square in Vatican City, as confirmed by the Vatican.
Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Claire Castro added that President Marcos and First Lady Louise “Liza” Araneta-Marcos will attend the Pope’s funeral rites.
The late pontiff, born in Buenos Aires, Argentina, requested in his will to be buried in a simple grave inside the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, a place he considered close to his heart.
