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Philippines Mourns Pope Francis, a Shepherd Who Embraced the Marginalized
MANILA, Philippines – From bustling city streets to humble village chapels, the Philippines is awash in tributes to Pope Francis, who died on Easter monday at the age of 88. the predominantly Catholic nation has plunged into a period of national mourning, with services, light displays, and personal remembrances honoring the pontiff affectionately known as “Lolo Kiko,” or grandpa Francis.
At Quiapo Church in central Manila, a poignant scene unfolds daily. worshippers pack the pews, seeking respite from the tropical heat, while latecomers gather near the entrance, many fanning themselves. A prayer echoes through the sanctuary,dedicated to the memory of Pope Francis,whose framed image adorns the altar.Similar scenes are playing out across the archipelago, a testament to the deep connection between Filipinos and the late pontiff.
President Ferdinand Marcos jr. has declared a period of national mourning,set to last until the pope’s burial on Saturday. Buildings across the country, from university campuses to shopping malls, are illuminated in the papal colors of yellow and white, interspersed with violet, a symbol of penance. Along a major thoroughfare in Manila, a large billboard proclaims, “Pope Francis, thank you very much! We love you.”
“Pope Francis is the pope we grew up knowing,” says Mario amor,35,a member of Quiapo’s congregation. “For me, he is a very kind pope.”
The outpouring of grief in the Philippines underscores the unique role Catholicism plays in the nation’s identity. The faith, introduced by Spanish colonizers in the 16th century, permeates Filipino culture and law.Abortion remains illegal, and adultery and “concubinage” are punishable by jail time. The Philippines, aside from the vatican, stands as the only nation without a divorce law, although ongoing efforts seek to change this.
The Pope’s influence extended to U.S. Catholics. His calls for climate action resonated with environmentally-conscious Catholics, and his emphasis on welcoming immigrants aligned with efforts to assist migrant communities in the U.S. Though, some U.S. conservatives felt Pope Francis was too liberal, particularly concerning his views on LGBTQ+ issues and his criticisms of capitalism. These internal divisions in the U.S. Catholic Church can fuel debates on church policies and priorities.
Veronica Reponte, a vendor who has operated a stall outside Quiapo Church for two decades, vividly recalls Pope Francis’s 2015 visit to the Philippines. She brought her then eight-year-old son to Rizal Park to witness the papal procession.“I didn’t have a raincoat and my umbrella couldn’t withstand the rain,” she recalls. Miserable weather didn’t stop the public from turning out. An estimated 7 million people braved the elements to catch a glimpse of the pontiff.
In 2015, Francis visited the area of the Philippines still recovering from the devastating Typhoon Haiyan, which had struck just over a year earlier. He was reportedly advised to postpone his trip to Tacloban, the area worst affected, because of the risk of a tropical storm, but he was determined to go ahead. In a yellow poncho, battered by wind and rain, he stood before thousands of typhoon survivors, telling them: “I am here to be with you.” Men and women wept as he spoke.
While all Popes are revered in the Philippines, Francis held a special place in the hearts of many. Jayeel Cornelio, a sociologist specializing in the role of Catholicism in the Philippines, notes that Francis was a pastor who “understood what suffering meant for Filipinos” and who visited “at such an vital period in our history.”
He also opened up the church to groups who had been otherwise excluded, including the LGBTQ+ community. “A lot of filipinos [have described] … on social media how this was a man, in spite of representing a conservative institution, who gave hope, about how faith might be evolving,” Cornelio says.
Francis’s papacy came at a complex time in Philippine history. Under the presidency of Rodrigo Duterte, the country experienced a deadly “war on drugs” that resulted in the deaths of an estimated 30,000 people. Some priests risked retaliation by criticizing the killings, while others remained silent.
Did you know? During this turbulent period, Pope Francis offered quiet support to those who spoke out against the abuses, according to Cornelio.Leila de Lima, a former senator and human rights activist critical of Duterte, shared that she “received a rosary from Pope Francis. It came quietly, without fanfare, but its meaning was profound. In that moment, I felt seen. I felt remembered.”
The LGBTQ+ group Bahaghari also paid tribute, noting his “progressive yet controversial stance” and expressing hope that Francis’s papacy “becomes the spark” for a more inclusive church.
The focus in the Philippines now shifts to the selection of the next pope. Filipinos are wondering weather Francis’s inclusive legacy will continue or whether the next pontiff will adopt a more conservative approach.
The college of Cardinals, many appointed by Francis, will elect the new pope. Among the potential candidates is Luis Antonio Tagle, 67, from the Philippines. Tagle,known for his progressive views,has suggested that the Catholic Church’s stance on gay and divorced couples is overly harsh,although he opposes abortion.
If chosen, Tagle would become the first Asian pope.The region has the fastest-growing Catholic population.
“The Italians might still want to be in power, but the signs of the times have changed,” Cornelio says. If he were appointed, the country would be overjoyed because “The Philippines is all about national pride, from Miss Universe to boxing.”
But back at Quiapo church, Mario Amor thinks there are forces greater than the conclave at play in the selection of the new pope.“I’m OK whoever will replace him,” he says. “The lord will appoint whoever is deserving.”
Counterargument: Some argue that overemphasizing Pope Francis’s progressive stances ignores the core tenets of Catholic doctrine, possibly undermining the church’s traditional teachings. While Francis advocated for inclusivity and dialog, he also upheld essential beliefs on issues such as abortion and the sanctity of marriage.
Pro tip: If you find yourself disagreeing with a religious or political leader, try to understand their views within the context of their faith or ideology before dismissing them outright.
FAQ: Pope Francis and the Catholic Church
What were Pope Francis’s key priorities? Pope Francis was known for his focus on social justice, poverty, environmental concerns, and interfaith dialogue. He also prioritized reforming the vatican bureaucracy and making the church more inclusive.
How did Pope Francis address the issue of clergy abuse? Pope Francis strengthened safeguarding measures and emphasized accountability for those who committed or covered up abuse.However,some critics argue that more needs to be done to address the issue.
What is the process for selecting a new pope? The College of Cardinals, composed of cardinals from around the world, gathers in a conclave to elect a new pope. The voting process is secretive and requires a two-thirds majority to elect a new leader.
How will Pope Francis be remembered? The Catholic Church will celebrate Pope Francis’ life as they move forward, praying for his soul to rest in heaven.
* What challenges does the next pope face? The next pope will need to address issues such as declining church attendance in some regions, the ongoing clergy abuse crisis, and navigating the Church’s role in a rapidly changing world. He will also need to manage the political divisions within the church.
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Archyde Interview: Sociologist Dr. Elena Reyes on Pope Francis’s Legacy in the Philippines
Archyde News: Welcome, Dr. Reyes. Thank you for joining us today to discuss the profound impact of Pope Francis’s papacy on the Philippines. Could you start by sharing your initial thoughts on his passing adn the current mood within the country?
Dr. Elena Reyes: Thank you for having me. The Philippines is in a period of deep mourning. Pope Francis was not just a religious leader; he was a figure of hope and compassion for many Filipinos, notably those on the margins.The outpouring of grief we are witnessing across the archipelago is a testament to the deep connection Filipinos felt with him.
The Pope’s Message of Inclusion and Compassion
Archyde News: The article highlighted Pope Francis’s visits to the Philippines and his stance on inclusivity. What do you believe made his message so resonant with the Filipino people, especially given the country’s strong Catholic identity?
Dr. Elena Reyes: Certainly. Pope Francis’s emphasis on mercy,on embracing the poor,and on reaching out to those often excluded – the LGBTQ+ community,for instance – resonated deeply.He understood the Filipino sentiment, where faith is woven into the fabric of daily life. Frequently enough, he visited areas affected by natural disasters, showing compassion and truly embodying the role of a pastor. This resonated with many, adding to the depth of his impact on the people.
Archyde News: The article also touched upon the divisions within the Catholic Church, particularly in the U.S. context. How do you see those divisions playing out now, and how might they influence the selection of the next Pope?
Dr. Elena Reyes: The divisions are very real. Some in the church felt he pushed too far on certain social issues, while others celebrated his progressive thinking. The upcoming Conclave will inevitably be influenced by these differing perspectives. The Cardinals will be choosing the next pope. They will need to consider whether they want someone to continue Francis’s path or revert to more conservative approaches.The selection of the Philippines’ Luis Antonio Tagle could be a strong signal given the growing Catholic populations in the region, but it is indeed hard to say.
The Future of Catholicism in the Philippines
Archyde News: Looking ahead, what do you foresee as the key challenges and opportunities for the Catholic Church in the Philippines in the wake of Pope Francis’s passing and the selection of a new pontiff?
Dr. Elena Reyes: The Church will need to navigate the evolving landscape of modern society. The Philippines, like much of the world, is experiencing changes in its religious landscape. it will need to address declining attendance in some areas, to address the challenges and address any issues stemming from the lingering clergy abuse crisis, and find a balance between upholding traditional values and engaging with contemporary societal issues, such as LGBTQ+ rights and the war on drugs’ impact. The new Pope’s leadership will be crucial in helping the Church find its way, and ensuring that it remains central to Filipino life.
Archyde News: Dr. Reyes, what do you think will be Pope Francis’s lasting legacy in the Philippines?
Dr. Elena Reyes: I believe Pope Francis will be remembered as a shepherd who extended an open hand to everyone, embracing inclusivity.His emphasis on social justice,particularly his concern for marginalized groups,will have a lasting impact. Beyond that, his willingness to travel, visit, and put himself into the community, makes a massive impact on the life of many Filipinos. He offered a message of hope, compassion, and understanding – a message that continues to resonate and will be remembered for years to come.
Archyde News: Dr. Reyes,thank you so much for sharing your valuable insights. It’s been a pleasure speaking with you.
Dr. Elena Reyes: Thank you for having me.
