President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has declared a four-day period of national mourning in the Philippines following the death of Pope Francis, recognizing the pontiff’s profound influence on the Catholic-majority nation.
In a presidential proclamation issued Wednesday, Marcos ordered that the Philippine flag be flown at half-mast on all government buildings and installations “effective immediately until the burial of Pope Francis.” The announcement follows confirmation of the Pope’s passing on Monday at the age of 88.
“The passing of Pope Francis is a moment of profound sorrow for the Catholic Church and for the Filipino people, who recognise him as a global leader of compassion and a tireless advocate for peace, justice and human dignity,” President Marcos stated.
He also recalled the Pope’s deeply moving January 2015 visit to the Philippines, during which Francis visited survivors of Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan) in Tacloban and celebrated mass with millions of devotees. “He offered comfort and solidarity to victims… and celebrated the resilience of the Filipino faithful despite adversities,” Marcos said.
Pope Francis, who was elected in 2013, became known for his energetic reformist agenda and for modernizing the image of the Catholic Church. His leadership resonated strongly with Filipinos, over 90 million of whom identify as Catholic—making the Philippines one of the largest Catholic-majority countries in the world.
Church bells tolled and requiem masses were held in cathedrals and parishes nationwide within hours of the Vatican’s announcement, as the faithful gathered to mourn the passing of a leader many considered a spiritual father.
The Philippine government is expected to coordinate national observances and tributes during the mourning period as millions reflect on the Pope’s legacy.
