Pope Francis celebrates the Holy mass of the Epiphany in St Peter's Basilica at the Vatican on January 6, 2025. Andreas Solaro, AFP/File

MANILA --  President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Monday joined other world leaders in mourning the death of Pope Francis, affectionately known among Filipinos as "Lolo Kiko."

The Argentine pontiff passed away on Monday at the age of 88, a day after making a much hoped-for appearance at Saint Peter's Square on Easter Sunday.

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

"Ibang klase si Pope Francis. That's really sad. I love this Pope. The best Pope in my lifetime as far as I'm concerned," President Marcos said on the sidelines of a meeting on Monday.

In a post on his Facebook account, Marcos said the Philippines is joining the Catholic community worldwide in grieving the loss of the pope.

"A man of profound faith and humility, Pope Francis led not only with wisdom but with a heart open to all, especially the poor and the forgotten," Marcos said. "By example, Pope Francis taught us that to be a good Christian is to extend kindness and care to one another. His humility brought many back to the fold of the Church."

"As we mourn his passing, we honor a life that brought hope and compassion to so many, and inspired us to love one another as Christ loved us," he added.

"It is a profoundly sad day."

Francis's death came just a day after he delighted the crowds of worshippers at the Vatican on Easter Sunday with an appearance on the balcony at Saint Peter's Basilica despite still convalescing after a severe illness.

Francis had come close to dying twice earlier this year while suffering from pneumonia.

He spent 38 days in hospital before he was released on March 23.

On Sunday he wished the crowds on Saint Peter's Square a "Happy Easter" as he waved and in his traditional "Urbi et Orbi" ("To the City and the World") benediction he called for freedom of thought and tolerance.

READ: World leaders react to the death of Pope Francis

'A GUIDING LIGHT'

Other Philippine leaders expressed their sadness at Pope Francis' death, with House Speaker Martin Romualdez recalling his visit to Tacloban, Leyte in 2015 in the aftermath of super typhoon Yolanda.

"To us, he was more than a Pope. He was a father, a friend, a guiding light in times of darkness," Romualdez said in a statement.

"I will never forget how he came to Tacloban in the aftermath of Typhoon Yolanda, when our people were suffering beyond words. He braved the storm, stood with us in the rain, and spoke not just as a leader of the Church, but as someone who truly felt our pain. His presence alone gave us strength. His words reminded us that even in loss, we were not alone. That God had not abandoned us," he added.

Senate President Francis "Chiz" Escudero noted that Pope Francis was a champion of the marginalized and spent his papacy fostering peace and inclusion.

"Pope Francis’ 2015 visit to the Philippines remains etched in our hearts," said Escudero. "During his time here, he consoled those affected by Typhoon Yolanda and called for solidarity and care for the most vulnerable among us."

"His words of 'mercy and compassion' continue to guide the Filipino people in building a society rooted in empathy and understanding," he added.

During his visit in 2015, Pope Francis celebrated Mass at the Manila Cathedral and the Pontifical and Royal University of Santo Tomas. He also held an outdoor mass in Tacloban City, despite strong rains and winds.

Senator Grace Poe said the pontiff "us[ed] his voice to spread love."

"He was firmly committed to inclusivity; welcoming minorities and the most powerless and vulnerable into the arms of the Church," she said. "He spoke against greed and corruption. He called for a ceasefire on all conflicts, and urged the use of resources to feed the hungry. His wisdom came from a life of service, living among the poorest of the poor."

"We mourn the loss of his leadership that was both humble and courageous."

For House Deputy Minority Leader and BH Party List Representative Bernadette Herrera, the world lost "a strong advocate for human rights and basic decency", with the death of Pope Francis.

"Pope Francis set the example of how a church must care for the least among us," she said.

"Pope Francis is the kindest pope toward women and children. Pope Francis is the most broadminded and practical pope we have ever known," Herrera added.

Francis' death sets in motion centuries-old traditions that will culminate in the gathering of a conclave of cardinals to choose a successor.

In the meantime, the day-to-day running of the tiny Vatican City state will be handled by the camerlengo, a senior cardinal, currently Dublin-born Kevin Farrell.  -- with a report from Agence France-Presse

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