Pope Francis’s Legacy in the Philippines: A Nation Mourns
The Philippines is in mourning following the death of Pope Francis, with thousands of Catholics paying their respects to the beloved leader. According to a report by The Guardian, the Pope’s death has been met with an outpouring of grief in the country, where 80% of the population identifies as Catholic.
In the capital city of Manila, the Quiapo church was filled with worshippers paying their respects to Pope Francis, who was affectionately known as "Lolo Kiko" or "Grandpa Francis". The church’s pews were packed, and latecomers gathered near the entrance, clutching fans to ease the stifling heat. A prayer was read out in memory of the Pope, whose image stood framed on the altar.
The Philippine government has declared a period of national mourning, which will last until the Pope’s burial on Saturday. Buildings across the country have held light displays in the papal colours of yellow and white, and in violet, which is often symbolic of penance. In Manila, a billboard reads: "Pope Francis, thank you very much! We love you."
The Pope’s 2015 visit to the Philippines is still remembered fondly by many Filipinos. According to The Guardian, Pope Francis was especially well loved in the country, where he was seen as a pastor who "understood what suffering meant for Filipinos". During his visit, he braved the rain to stand before thousands of typhoon survivors in Tacloban, telling them: "I am here to be with you." Men and women wept as he spoke.
The Pope’s legacy in the Philippines extends beyond his 2015 visit. As The Guardian reports, he opened up the church to groups who had been otherwise excluded, including the LGBTQ+ community. "A lot of Filipinos [have described] … on social media how this was a man, in spite of representing a conservative institution, who gave hope, about how faith might be evolving," says Jayeel Cornelio, a sociologist who specialises in the role of Catholicism in contemporary Philippines.
The next pope will be selected by the College of Cardinals, many of whom were appointed by Francis and reflect a more diverse church. The Guardian reports that Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, 67, from the Philippines, is among those in the running. He has a similarly progressive outlook, having suggested that the Catholic church’s stance on gay and divorced couples is too harsh.
As the country mourns the loss of Pope Francis, Filipinos are bracing for the next pope, wondering whether he will continue Francis’s inclusive legacy or revert back to a more conservative approach. According to The Guardian, if Tagle were appointed, the country would be overjoyed, as he would be the first pontiff from Asia, the region with the fastest-growing Catholic population.
The impact of Pope Francis’s death is being felt across the country, with many Filipinos paying tribute to his legacy. Leila de Lima, a former senator and human rights activist, wrote: "During one of the darkest times in my life, I received a rosary from Pope Francis. It came quietly, without fanfare, but its meaning was profound. In that moment, I felt seen. I felt remembered."
As the nation continues to mourn, one thing is clear: Pope Francis’s legacy will live on in the Philippines, a country where he was deeply loved and respected. According to The Guardian, his death has brought the country together, with many Filipinos reflecting on the impact he had on their lives.
