SPEAKER Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez on Monday joined the global community in mourning the death of Pope Francis, remembering him as a beacon of compassion and humility whose presence brought healing and hope to millions around the world, especially to Filipinos who fondly called him “Lolo Kiko.”
“It is with a heavy heart that I join the world in mourning the passing of Pope Francis, whom we in Leyte—and across the Philippines—lovingly called Lolo Kiko,” Speaker Romualdez said.
“To us, he was more than a Pope. He was a father, a friend, a guiding light in times of darkness. I will never forget how he came to Tacloban in the aftermath of Typhoon Yolanda, when our people were suffering beyond words,” added the leader of the 306-member House of Representatives.
He continued: “He braved the storm, stood with us in the rain, and spoke not just as a leader of the Church, but as someone who truly felt our pain. His presence alone gave us strength. His words reminded us that even in loss, we were not alone. That God had not abandoned us.”
The House leader said Pope Francis embodied the true essence of servant leadership—reaching out to the poor, the sick, and the forgotten, and offering not just prayers but action.
“That was who Pope Francis was—someone who saw beyond titles, beyond barriers. He reached out to the poor, the sick, the forgotten, and gave them a voice. He reminded us that true power lies in service, and that faith is not just about rituals, but about love in action,” Speaker Romualdez said.
He said the beloved pontiff is a profound loss not just for Catholics, but for people of all faiths who found strength and solace in his words and deeds.
“The world has lost a great man. But the kindness, the wisdom, and the deep compassion he shared with us will never fade. Lolo Kiko may have left this earth, but his spirit will live on in every heart he touched,” Speaker Romualdez pointed out.
“Rest now, Holy Father. You have done more than enough. Thank you for loving us. Thank you for believing in us. We will carry your light forward,” Speaker Romualdez concluded.
