MANILA (UPDATE) — The Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) on Monday said they were shocked by the death of Pope Francis, who passed away a day after making an appearance at Saint Peter's Square on Easter Sunday.

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

"Unang-una nagulat, syempre meron naman na tayong expectation na dadating talaga yung araw na mangyayari ito, kaya nga lang nakakagulat din dahil lumabas pa nga [siya] nung Easter Sunday," according to Fr. Jerome Secillano, executive secretary of CBCP's Commission on Public Affairs.

(We were surprised by his passing. Of course we had anticipated it due to his health issues but he also made an appearance on Easter Sunday. It was so sudden.)

Pope Francis died at 7:35 a.m. (0535 GMT), the Vatican said in its announcement. He was 88.

Secillano said Pope Francis will be remembered for his efforts on reaching out to the poor and most marginalized sectors of the world.

Frail Pope Francis takes to popemobile to greet Easter crowd

"Gusto niya mapalapit ang mga tao sa simbahan, lalong lalo niyang tinutukan ang mga dukha, mahihirap, marginalized, at muli niyang binukas ang pananaw ng Katoliko na ang simbahan ay nakikinig sa kanila," Secillano said.

(He wanted the people to be closer to the Church, especially those who are poor, marginalized. He changed the views of the Catholics and showed them the the Church listens.)

"Itong Santo Papang ito ginamit ang kanyang papacy para ang mga tao ay maramdaman ang pagmamahal ng Diyos," he added.

(This Pope really spent his papacy to make the people feel that God loves them.)

The CBCP said it expects dioceses and parishes to hold their own ceremonies in honor of the late Pope Francis.

"Ang ine-expect natin magkakaroon ng masses, syempre magvi-vigil yung ilan diyan and then merong mga novenas na gagawin. Kung ano man ang ginagawa siguro sa Vatican malamang ire-replicate lang din yan dito at sa ibang bahagi ng mundo," he said.

(We expect masses, vigils, novenas in Philippine churches. Whatever is happening in Vatican, for sure we will also see here and other parts of the world.)

Throughout his 12 years as the 266th pope of the Catholic Church, Francis's leadership has been centered on the theme of mercy.

Pope Francis urges Catholics to abandon 'mad pursuit' of money

He championed the welfare of refugees and other marginalized peoples. He also pushed for a more tolerant Catholic Church, including the LGBT community, and the divorced and remarried.

He also criticized economic policies that according to him aggravated poverty and inequality. —With a report from Agence France-Presse

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