President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has declared a period of national mourning over the death of Pope Francis.
Based on Proclamation No. 871, signed by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin on April 23, the mourning period will last until the Pope’s burial.
During this period, Philippine flags in government buildings and installations worldwide shall be flown at half-mast from sunrise to sunset.
“The passing of Pope Francis is a moment of profound sorrow for the Catholic Church and for the Filipino people, who recognize him as a global leader of compassion and a tireless advocate for peace, justice, and human dignity,” Marcos wrote in his proclamation.
“This nation expresses solidarity with the world as our generation mourns the passing of His Holiness, Pope Francis, with loving prayers for his eternal peace,” he added.
According to Marcos, Pope Francis holds a special place in the hearts of the Filipino people, particularly for his Apostolic Visit to the Philippines in January 2015.
Since becoming the Catholic Church’s 266th pope on March 13, 2013, until his passing, the President said Pope Francis devoted his ministry to the care of the poor, marginalized, and vulnerable, advocating tirelessly for social justice, equality, and interfaith dialogue.
Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio, Pope Francis died at 88 on Monday, April 21. The Vatican later announced that the pontiff suffered a stroke and cardiac arrest.
President Marcos and First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos will attend the funeral of Pope Francis at St. Peter’s Square in Vatican on Saturday. (Argyll Geducos)
