Pope Francis: His presence gave comfort, strength to Yolanda survivors

READ: Francis in Tacloban: ‘It was God’s way of making the Pope feel as we felt’

A lot of Filipinos appreciated the pope’s humility, admitting that he too was at a loss for words.

“So many of you have lost everything. I don’t know what to say to you, but the Lord does know what to say to you,” the pope said.

“Some of you lost part of your families. All I can do is keep silent, and I walk with you all with my silent heart. Many of you have asked the Lord, ‘Why, Lord?’ And to each of you, Christ responds from His heart upon the Cross,” he added.

Adraneda said these words had an impact even on those who were not pious Catholics.

“It’s hard to find the exact word to describe it. But maybe it’s your faith. Even if you’re not that religious, you would have felt the strength of your faith if you had witnessed what was happening,” she said.

Catholics around the world are mourning Francis’ death, just a day after he participated in the Easter Sunday Mass at the Vatican.

Tributes poured in, including those from Filipinos who thanked the late pontiff for standing with the country. Earlier, House Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez, who hails from Leyte, said that Francis was not only a pope but also a guiding light for Filipinos from Eastern Visayas.

Earlier, Filipino priest Francis Lucas recalled the pope’s humility, as he still asked for prayers even if he was already the highest official in the Roman Catholic Church. Other Filipinos also noted how Pope Francis’ mere presence was enough to give them hope during dark times.

READ: Pope Francis consoled him in his grief, now he mourns his passing

Even during his last days, Francis tried to participate in the Vatican’s activities, earning praise from observers as he seemingly willed himself out of a life-threatening ailment.

Francis was hospitalized for 38 days due to recurring respiratory issues, and was released just this March 23. /atm

(2025/04/22-04:47)