Cheyenne Suarez

Young Filipinos mourn death of Lolo Kiko, recount how late Pope restored faith

Article (news)

ABS-CBN News Digital Intern

<p>MANILA — Pope Francis’ sudden passing on Easter Monday shocked believers and non-believers alike. Regardless of religious background, people around the world mourned his passing as he saw beyond their religious beliefs.</p><p>But the late pope is remembered more in the Philippines, where a majority identify as Catholic. Called &quot;Lolo Kiko&quot;, Pope Francis touched the hearts of many as he advocated for inclusivity.</p><p>The late Pope chose to understand, be humble, be good, and advocate for what he believed was right. His liberal-leaning characteristics are what made people adore him more.</p><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/world/2025/4/25/huge-crowds-pack-vatican-for-last-day-of-pope-s-lying-in-state-coffin-now-sealed-1459">Huge crowds pack Vatican for last day of Pope&#x27;s lying in state, coffin now sealed</a></div><div><strong>AN INCLUSIVE, RADICAL FAITH</strong></div><p>Some social media users shared that their faith was restored through the words and actions of the late Pope Francis. His teachings of inclusivity, empathy, and humility resonated with them, to which they likened him to Christ himself.</p><p>Kayla Nicole Togonon shared with ABS-CBN News that the late Pope’s statement that the LGBT+ people have the right to family as they are also children of God touched her the most. </p><p>She noted that his choice to address the subject amid decades-long debates in the Philippines on same-sex civil unions was admirable.</p><p>Togonon added the late Pope’s humility, inclusivity, and bravery were what drew her near to him and inspired her to advocate for the poor through her studies and work.</p><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/lifestyle/2025/4/25/love-gratitude-for-pope-francis-continue-to-pour-through-words-and-art-1733">Love, gratitude for Pope Francis continue to pour through words and art</a></div><p>Jayvelle Andrea Villanueva meanwhile cited the encounter between the Pope and a child, whom he assured was in heaven as God never abandons his children. She said that it was a heartfelt lesson, especially to her.</p><p>She also reminisced Pope Francis&#x27; visit to her hometown Tacloban in 2015.</p><p>She shared that she was starting to be active in her parish when he visited. She said her questions, worries, and exhaustion went away when the Pope assured the people of Tacloban that he had arrived rather late.</p><p>Togonon, a born-again Christian who had become an agnostic in 2015, said she found herself occasionally leaning on the late Pope’s teachings and advocacies as she learned more about him.</p><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2025/4/25/filipino-cardinals-start-arriving-in-rome-ahead-of-pope-francis-funeral-conclave-1030">Filipino cardinals start arriving in Rome ahead of Pope Francis funeral, conclave</a></div><p>“I lost my faith back in 2017 [while] on the verge of suicide and depression and Pope Francis, being the head of the Catholic Church at the time, made me not afraid of the Catholic Church, specifically because at last I was not someone just being prayed over but rather someone to be prayed with,” she also said.</p><p>Villanueva meanwhile said that while she was born and raised a Catholic and went to Catholic schools from elementary to college, her parent&#x27;s separation as well as bullying in school tested her faith.</p><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2025/4/21/when-pope-francis-visited-the-philippines-1658">When Pope Francis visited the Philippines</a></div><p>“It was then my faith in Him was tested and made me lose my faith. Thankfully, around 2014-2015, I found comfort in His house. Naging youth leader po ako and lector, and doon po nagsimulang na-restore yung faith ko (I became a youth leader and lector, and that&#x27;s how my faith was eventually restored)” she stated.</p><div><strong>ON THE POPE&#x27;S PASSING</strong></div><p>Both shared their sorrow over Pope Francis&#x27;s passing, with Togonon saying she cried when she saw the news.</p><p>She said she hoped the Pope, who had fallen seriously ill in February, would survive until the year&#x27;s end.</p><p>Villanueva also shared that she was worried about the Pope’s condition since his constant hospitalization early this year. She said she would constantly check the Vatican News for updates regarding his health.</p><p>“When I saw the news of his passing, nalungkot po ako, kasi Lolo Kiko was very close to the people, especially with young people like me. However, nangibabaw po yung ginhawa, kasi I know na God is waiting for him in heaven,” she told ABS-CBN News.</p><p>(I was sad when I saw the news of his passing because Lolo Kiko was very close to the people, especially young people like me. However, I was more relieved because I know God is waiting for him in heaven)</p><p>Despite the Pope&#x27;s passing, the two said they will continue to be as devout by carrying on his teachings and serving other people.</p><div><br/></div><div><strong>RELATED VIDEO</strong></div><div><span class="fr-video fr-deletable fr-fvc fr-dvb fr-draggable" contenteditable="false" draggable="true"><iframe width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ty86dBG-JpM?&amp;t=13s&amp;wmode=opaque&amp;rel=0" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen="" class="fr-draggable"></iframe></span><br/></div>

<p>Pope Francis’ sudden passing on Easter Monday shocked believers and non-believers alike. Regardless of religious background, people globally mourned his passing as he saw beyond their religious beliefs.</p>

Pope Francis’ sudden passing on Easter Monday shocked believers and non-believers alike. Regardless of religious background, people globally mourned his passing as he saw beyond their religious beliefs.

Young Filipinos mourn death of 'Lolo Kiko', recount how late Pope restored faith

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Young Filipinos mourn death of 'Lolo Kiko', recount how late Pope restored faith

ABS-CBN News Digital Intern,

Sam Bernardo

Published April 26, 2025 10:16 AM PHT

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Updated April 26, 2025 11:37 AM PHT

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