A Shepherd’s Final Journey: Mourning Pope Francis

IT is late Monday evening (April 21), almost midnight in fact. Yet, I still feel the pang of sadness brought about by Pope Francis’ death. He was 88, had been unwell for some time, and a part of me feels that, yes, it is time for him to get his well-deserved rest – no less than in the arms of our dear Father God, and in the happy company of martyrs and saints.

I was in the office discussing client matters with my law firm partners when we learned about the sad news. A quiet hush fell across the office. I felt as though a sacred stillness blanketed the world. For sure, bells will toll not with celebration, but with sorrow — a mournful hymn echoing the final chapter of a life lived for others. Pope Francis, the humble shepherd from the ends of the earth, had breathed his last. The news fell like thunder through a broken sky.

To the faithful, Pope Francis was more than a pontiff. He was a voice in the wilderness crying out for the poor, the forgotten, the marginalized. He was a Jesuit. He was a man for others. He was a faithful servant of God.

Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio on 17 December 1936, in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Papa Francisco or Pope Francis is the 266th pope of the Roman Catholic Church and the first Jesuit and Latin American to hold the papacy. He was elected in March 2013 following the resignation of Pope Benedict XVI.

I remember seeing him in person for the first time during his first General Audience on 27 March 2013 in St. Peter’s Square. During this gathering, he reflected on Holy Week and expressed gratitude for the support of his predecessor. I, together with my wife and daughter, felt so blessed to be there during this milestone.

From the beginning of his papacy, Pope Francis chose a simpler lifestyle that reflected his values. Rejecting many of the traditional trappings of the papal office, he opted to live in the Vatican guesthouse rather than the lavish Apostolic Palace. His choice of the name “Francis,” in honor of Saint Francis of Assisi, signaled his intention to focus on poverty, humility, and care for creation.

Another defining moment for Pope Francis, in my view, was his visit to my hometown (Tacloban City) on 17 January 2015. No doubt, the visit was a deeply emotional and symbolic moment, especially following the devastation caused by Super Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan) in 2013. I recall that despite the threat of another storm (Tropical Storm Amang) that day, the Pope pressed on with his trip — a powerful gesture of solidarity with the survivors.

In relation to this, a photo that will forever symbolize Pope Francis’ humility, empathy, and compassion is one that shows him wearing a simple yellow raincoat, just like the crowd gathered to see him. He celebrated Mass at the airport, and was visibly moved as he spoke. It was a courageous and humble act — braving the weather to stand with those who had endured so much.

His visit left a lasting impact on my kababayans, symbolizing hope, resilience, and the healing power of empathy.

Rest now, Papa Francisco. Damo nga salamat! Thank you for your transformative leadership, and for being a shepherd of courage, change and compassion.