PBBM declares ‘period of national mourning’ over death of Pope Francis

GLOBAL MOURNING. Pope Francis waves at the end of his weekly general audience at Saint Peter’s Square in Vatican City on Oct. 26, 2022. Pope Francis died on April 21, 2025, at the Vatican. (Photo courtesy: Vincenzo Pinto / AFP / FILE)

By Brian Campued

As the Philippines joins the global community in mourning the passing of Pope Francis, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has declared a period of national mourning in the country, effective until the burial of the late Pontiff on Saturday.

According to Proclamation No. 871, which was signed by the President on Wednesday, the Philippine flag shall be flown at half-mast from sunrise to sunset at all government offices in the country as well as abroad during the said period.

Marcos also honored Pope Francis’ enduring legacy as the “People’s Pope,” who devoted his ministry to the care of the poor, marginalized, and vulnerable—becoming a “global symbol of humility, compassion, and peace.”

“The passing of Pope Francis is a moment of profound sorrow for the Catholic Church and for the Filipino people, who recognize him as a global leader of compassion and a tireless advocate for peace, justice, and human dignity,” the Chief Executive said.

The President and First Lady Liza Marcos, along with other world leaders, will pay their final respects to the late Pope in a funeral ceremony at Saint Peter’s Square in Vatican City on Saturday.

According to the Holy See Press Office, Pope Francis will be laid to rest at the Basilica of Saint Mary Major in Rome, Italy.

The late Pontiff’s body currently lies in state at Saint Peter’s Basilica, where the faithful may pay their respects until Friday.

The Catholic Church will also observe nine consecutive days of mourning—starting on the funeral of the late Pope until May 4—and will be marked by “Masses held in suffrage” for the late Pope Francis.

-iro

Popular

Taal Lake site assessment yields sack containing ‘bones’ — DOJ

By Brian Campued The Department of Justice (DOJ) confirmed that authorities retrieved a sack containing burned remains believed to be human bones during the initial...

LTO integrates online driver’s license renewal system in eGovPH app

By Dean Aubrey Caratiquet The Land Transportation Office (LTO) has integrated the online driver’s license renewal in the eGovPH app, which ensures a fast and...

5 of 21 Filipinos in Houthi-hit ship in Red Sea rescued — DFA

By Joyce Ann L. Rocamora and Marita Moaje | Philippine News Agency Five of the 21 Filipino seafarers manning the cargo vessel Eternity C, which...

PBBM directs gov’t officials: Focus on work, avoid politicking

By Dean Aubrey Caratiquet At the Malacañang press briefing this Wednesday, July 9, Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Undersecretary and Palace Press officer Claire Castro reiterated...