President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. and First Lady Louise “Liza” Araneta-Marcos will travel to Vatican City to attend the funeral of Pope Francis, who passed away at the age of 88.
Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Atty. Claire Castro confirmed the President’s attendance, saying Marcos is set to pay his final respects to the late pontiff, whom he described as the “best Pope” in his lifetime.
“Pope Francis led not only with wisdom but with a heart open to all, especially the poor and the forgotten,” the President said in an earlier statement. “By example, Pope Francis taught us that to be a good Christian is to extend kindness and care to one another.”
The First Lady also expressed grief, calling the Pope “a saint on earth.” In a social media post alongside a photo of her encounter with the Pontiff, she wrote, “Now heaven welcomes him home. Thank you, Pope Francis.”
According to Vatican authorities, Pope Francis died of a stroke and irreversible heart failure, following complications from double pneumonia. His funeral will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, April 26, in St. Peter’s Square.
Known to Filipinos as “Lolo Kiko,” Pope Francis visited the Philippines in 2015, where he drew massive crowds during his Masses in Manila and storm-hit Tacloban City.
In keeping with his humble leadership style, the late Pope requested in his will to be buried at the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore—a quiet Roman church he deeply cherished.
