MANILA -- Fr. Tito Caluag, the executive director of Caritas Philippines, requested Filipinos to pray for the soul of Pope Francis, as well as for the success of the upcoming conclave which will decide on his successor.

Speaking to Teleradyo Serbisyo, Caluag shared how throughout his 12 years as pope, Francis continued to make the Church and its followers feel the mercy of God.

Now that he is gone, Caluag expressed hope that whoever will become the next pope will continue what Francis has started.

“Ipagdasal po natin si Pope Francis sapagkat napakalaki ng kanyang naging kontribusyon sa Simbahan, maging Simbahan para sa mga dukha, at Simbahan that would show the mercy of God,” he said.

Caluag likewise sought for prayers for the conclave of cardinals, who will choose the next pope.

“Ipagdasal din natin ang darating na conclave, na talagang sana ay maging pagpapatuloy ng galaw at trabaho ng Diyos. ‘Yun lang naman ang hinihingi natin, na ang ispirito ng Diyos ang siyang gumalaw sa darating na conclave,” he said.

The Vatican announced that Pope Francis passed away Monday morning. He was 88.

Pope Francis, beloved ‘Lolo Kiko’ to Filipinos, has passed away: Vatican