By Brian Campued
Just over a year after Super Typhoon Yolanda whipped through Tacloban City—hurling gigantic waves across the land, flattening everything in its path, and claiming lives—survivors were still searching for answers why they had to go through such a catastrophe.
As those who remained tried to endure the darkest of nights, a symbol of light came knocking in. When Pope Francis visited the Philippines in January 2015, he brought with him a powerful message of hope and solidarity with every Filipino.
Wearing a yellow raincoat and riding a popemobile, the late Supreme Pontiff waved at the rain-drenched crowd, also clad in thin yellow and white ponchos—who patiently waited at Tacloban International Airport in Leyte for their “Lolo Kiko” despite the looming threat of Tropical Storm Amang. For the people, amid the awakened fears of another calamity, the Pope’s presence was all they needed and had waited for a long time.
In front of thousands who lost their loved ones and even if the Mass had to be shortened due to the inclement weather, Pope Francis shared in the grief of the people and reminded them that “Jesus does not disappoint us” and that “the love and tenderness of our Mother does not disappoint us.”
“When I saw from Rome that catastrophe, I felt that I had to be here. And on those very days, I decided to come here. I’m here to be with you; a little late I have to say, but I’m here,” the Pontiff said through a translator.
“So many of you have lost everything. I do not know what to tell you. But surely [God] knows what to tell you! So many of you have lost members of your family. I can only be silent; I accompany you silently, with my heart,” he added.
During the times when faith was hard to find, Lolo Kiko’s humility and presence helped wash the confusion, anger, and doubt the people felt—turning the negativity into peace, comfort, and warmth.
As we join the world in paying our final farewell to the late Bishop of Rome, we remember him—not just as a religious figure, but as the Lolo Kiko who, then and always, will be an icon of healing and compassion. (with report from Mela Lesmoras / PTV News)
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