By Ivy Tejano
DAVAO CITY – The Catholic faithful in Davao City and around the world are grieving the death of Pope Francis (Jorge Mario Bergoglio), who passed away at the age of 88 on Easter Monday, April 21.
The Vatican confirmed that the Pope died due to a stroke and irreversible heart failure.
Davao Archbishop Romulo Valles presided over a Mass for the Eternal Repose of Pope Francis’ Soul on April 22 at San Pedro Cathedral in Davao City. The archbishop expressed deep sadness over the loss of the Holy Father.
“We have lost an extraordinary man,” said Valles during his homily. “Yet, even in our grief, we must remain hopeful. He would not want us to be consumed by sorrow. He now rests with the Lord, the giver of life.”
Archbishop Valles praised the late Pope as a spiritual beacon who did not introduce new doctrines but enriched the Church by illuminating long-held truths of the faith. He credited Pope Francis for renewing the commitment of many through his words, actions, and humble leadership.
“Through his example and teachings, he inspired us to live as faithful servants of the Church,” Valles said, acknowledging the worldwide sorrow and solidarity following the Pope’s death. He also emphasized Pope Francis’ devotion to uplifting the marginalized and voiceless in society.
Valles announced that the San Pedro Cathedral will soon have a memorial area with photographs from the Pope’s life and papacy to honor his legacy, offering a quiet prayer and reflection space.
Invoking a suspension of the rules, the 20th Davao City Council formally adopted a resolution conveying its heartfelt sympathy and condolences to the Archdiocese of Davao on the passing of Pope Francis.
Many Davaoeños also visited St. Jude Shrine Parish, where an image of the Pope was placed on the altar. People brought flowers and offered prayers, and the parish invited the faithful via social media to join in thanksgiving for his life and mission.
Davao del Sur State College also released a sympathy message, remembering Pope Francis’s strong advocacy for peace, care for the underprivileged, and commitment to environmental preservation.
“Pope Francis touched lives worldwide with humility, compassion, and tireless pursuit of justice. His influence reached even our institution and the entire Filipino nation,” the statement from DSSC read. They also prayed for comfort for the Church and all those grieving.
The PM Sisters of the Philippine Province, celebrating their 75th anniversary, also paid tribute to the Pope by reflecting on his environmental teachings. Inspired by his encyclical Laudato Si’, they carried out a mangrove planting activity in Davao City as a tribute to his legacy.
Educational institutions such as Ateneo de Davao University and Holy Cross of Davao College (HCDC) joined the mourning, offering prayers and honoring the Pope’s dedication to compassion, courage, and servant leadership.
In its tribute, HCDC highlighted how Pope Francis exemplified the values the college upholds—stewardship, unity, scholarship, and social justice. They emphasized that his leadership was a testament to kindness, courage, and deep care for others.
“He modeled for us what it means to lead with empathy and serve with humility,” the college said, noting his passionate advocacy for the poor, forgiveness, care for the environment, and vision of a Church that walks with all people.
The HCDC also said Pope Francis’s quiet strength and unwavering principles encouraged hope, unity, and action. His life reminds people that genuine faith must be expressed through service, love should be pursued through justice, and real change begins with compassion.
As the global community mourns his passing, Archbishop Valles said the late Pope’s message of peace, mercy, and inclusion continues to resonate across generations, faiths, and cultures. “Pope Francis reminded us that greatness lies not in power, but in serving faithfully and humbly.”
