The death of Pope Francis is a great loss not only to the Catholic Church but to the world, Bacolod Bishop Patricio Buzon said on Monday, April 21.
The people of Negros Occidental and Bacolod City join the world in mourning the Pope’s death, Negros Occidental Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson and Bacolod Mayor Alfredo Abelardo Benitez said.
Cardinal Kevin Farrell, who oversees the pope’s affairs, announced the death of the Pope at his residence in the Vatican’s Casa Santa Marta at 7:35 a.m. on Monday (1:35 p.m. in the Philippines).
He was 88 years old.
The Pope’s entire life “was dedicated to the service of the Lord and of His Church. He taught us to live the values of the Gospel with fidelity, courage, and universal love, especially in favor of the poorest and most marginalized,” the cardinal said.
”With immense gratitude for his example as a true disciple of the Lord Jesus, we commend the soul of Pope Francis to the infinite merciful love of the One and Triune God”, he added.
TRUE SON OF ST. IGNATIUS
Buzon said the Pope died a true son of St. Ignatius with his boots on.
The frail Pope greeted thousands in St. Peter’s Square after Easter Mass the day before his death, had been meeting with world leaders and making decisions, Buzon pointed out.
He was a leader who championed the cause of poor and worked so hard for world peace, Buzon said.
“Let us pray for him and keep alive the causes he worked so hard for,” said Buzon, who is on a pilgrimage to Corato in Italy with the Children of the Divine Will.
PROFOUND LOSS
Lacson said on behalf of the people of Negros Occidental, he joins the entire nation and the rest of the world in mourning the passing of the Pope.
“In his lifetime, Pope Francis was the embodiment of humility, compassion, and faith. His papacy was marked by an unwavering commitment to peace, unity, and inclusion-especially for those in need and the marginalized,” Lacson said.
“Most of all, he led us closer to Jesus-through his example of servant leadership,” the governor added.
The Pope’s passing is a profound loss, but his legacy will endure in the lives he touched and, in the love, and hope he inspired in millions across the globe, Lacson said.
“We offer our prayers for the eternal repose of his soul, and we thank God for the gift of his life and service. May he rest in God’s eternal peace,” he added.
TESTAMENT TO HUMILITY
Benitez said it is with deep sorrow, the City of Bacolod joins the global Catholic community in mourning the passing of the Pope.
“His life was a testament to humility, compassion, and unwavering faith,” Benitez said.
“He brought the Church closer to the margins-amplifying the voices of the poor, the forgotten, and the suffering. His message of mercy and love resonated across cultures and creeds, reminding us all of the sacred value of human dignity,” Benitez said
Benitez said may the Pope’s memory “inspire us to lead lives marked by justice, compassion, and peace”
“We offer our prayers for the eternal repose of Pope Francis’ soul, and we give thanks for his life of service, wisdom, and moral courage,” Benitez said.*