Pope Francis emerged onto a rain-drenched makeshift stage, undeterred by the off-season typhoon that had lashed the area, to address a sea of hundreds of thousands of emotional pilgrims in the central Philippines.
Despite warnings from organizers about deteriorating weather conditions, he proceeded with the 2015 open-air mass in Tacloban.Despite the challenges, Francis remained undeterred, making his way through the typhoon from Manila to conduct a mass honoring the more than 6,000 lives lost in Super Typhoon Haiyan in 2013. He navigated the expansive airport carpark in his popemobile and waved to the crowd while palm trees bent and swayed violently in the tempestuous weather.
In Asia’s largest Roman Catholic nation, every Pope is celebrated with a level of fame akin to that of a rockstar. The religion introduced by Spanish colonizers in the 16th Century has intricately intertwined with the societal fabric, taking on a uniquely Filipino intensity and vibrancy. In specific communities, followers undergo the extreme ritual of being nailed to the cross during Easter, a practice intended to replicate the suffering of Jesus.
Pope Francis garnered significant affection from the Philippines’ 80 million Catholics during his mass in Tacloban, thanks to his informal, approachable demeanor and passionate calls for justice.
The passing of the individual affectionately known as Lolo Kiko, or Grandpa Francis, on Monday has left many feeling like they have lost a guiding figure. Across the nation, gatherings have taken place to honor his memory.
“Many of you have lost everything,” he addressed the crowd assembled in the rain to hear his sermon over a decade ago.
“I’m at a loss for words.” It is reasonable to assume that He possesses the knowledge to guide you. A significant number of individuals have experienced the loss of family members. In a sudden turn of events, tragedy unfolded.
A steel scaffolding gave way, resulting in the tragic death of 27-year-old Kristel, an aid worker present in the congregation.
In Taguig, a suburb of Manila, Paul Padasas Jr. was at home when he learned of his daughter’s tragic passing.”I contemplated asking God why he allowed that to happen to my daughter,” he shared with the BBC.
The following morning, he awoke to a barrage of missed calls urging him to visit the Pope’s austere lodgings at the Vatican’s diplomatic mission near Manila’s historic Spanish quarter.He quickly donned his attire and set out without delay, accompanied by his wife and brother-in-law.
While in a holding room at the Apostolic Nunciature, staff members requested Hein to a radio broadcast of the Pope’s mass at the nearby University of Santo Tomas. During his address, the Pope expressed his condolences to Kristel’s family, highlighting her and emphasizing the moment; Mr. Padasas reported that he succumbed to his emotions. “At that moment, a whirlwind of emotions enveloped me.”
He expressed that he was filled with intense anxiety as he was escorted to the Pope’s room a few hours later.
Accompanying the Pope was Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, at that time the Archbishop of Manila, who translated the Pope’s remarks into Tagalog for Mr. Padasas.
Mr. Padasas reported that the Pope expressed his intentions to pray for Kristel. The pontiff extended his hands over Mr. Padasas’ head, blessing him.
My heart raced uncontrollably. “Then I felt something akin to an electric current coursing through my entire body,” he stated. “I reflected, that must be the sensation associated with the Holy Spirit.”
Mr. Padasas reflected on a moment of tranquility.
“Our children are entrusted to us by God.” Kristel has fulfilled her role.
The remainder of the Argentinian-born pope’s visit, which occurred merely two years into his papacy, was deemed a success.
The aircraft, called Shepherd One, landed in Manila the following day after departing from Tacloban, navigating through challenging stormy conditions. Shortly thereafter, a private jet veered off the runway, resulting in the closure of the airport.
On the following day, at sunset, an astonishing six million individuals gathered for the open-air mass in and around Luneta, Manila’s central square, marking the largest assembly ever documented by the Vatican. The gathering at John Paul II’s Luneta mass in 1995 reportedly surpassed four million attendees, a figure that Guinness World Records have officially acknowledged as the largest papal assembly in history.
Throughout his five-day visit, Pope Francis drew attention wherever he went, causing traffic to halt as enthusiastic Catholic followers rushed to capture selfies as his popemobile passed.
Rodrigo Duterte, who would become president the following year, garnered significant media attention when he publicly criticised the Pope for the traffic disruptions resulting from the papal visit.
Upon hearing the news of Pope Francis’s death at the age of 88, Mr. Padasas turned to a photo of his daughter displayed at the family altar. In a moment of reflection, he offered a prayer, asking her to welcome the late pontiff to heaven.
He mentioned that he continues to hold onto the rosary gifted to him by Pope Francis. “This item is not for sale, even for one million dollars.”
Throughout the nation, even the tiniest villages, often boasting their patron saints, observed a moment of mourning as church bells rang out. Inside places of worship, portraits of Pope Francis were displayed, reflecting the collective sorrow of the faithful.
Pope Francis holds a unique significance in my life. He stands out as my preferred Pope. As a member of the LGBT community, I observed in him a profound love that transcended all genders, regardless of one’s socioeconomic status. “He is truly the people’s pope,” remarked 19-year-old nursing student Renzie Sarmiento in an interview with BBC News outside Manila Cathedral on Tuesday.
“For those seeking to reconnect with the Catholic Church, Francis embodies the love of Jesus Christ,” he stated.
Mr. Sarmiento hoped the next Pope would continue the Catholic Church’s commitment to embracing diversity.
“Love should be inclusive of LGBT members,” he stated.
As the nation grieves, Filipinos are contemplating the future. During a mass at the Manila Cathedral for Pope Francis, attendees expressed a growing sentiment that it is time for a representative from one of the world’s largest Catholic populations to assume the role of the church’s next leader.
The Philippines boasts five cardinals who hold the right to vote in the upcoming papal election, with the possibility of being elected as the next Pope themselves. However, many observers are placing their hopes on Cardinal Tagle as a leading candidate.
Luis Antonio Tagle, a prominent figure within Pope Francis’ inner circle, is widely regarded as a proponent of the pontiff’s progressive agenda. Operating from the Vatican, he holds the position of pro-prefect at the Dicastery for Evangelisation, an office dedicated to evangelization and establishing new churches.
Fr. Tagle, often called the “Asian Francis,” joined Pope Francis on an extensive 11-day tour of Southeast Asia last year. He consistently endeavors to connect Catholicism with younger Filipinos, leveraging a robust presence on social media platforms such as Facebook, YouTube, and X.
For ice cream vendor Reymond Clores, the prospect of a Tagle papacy represents an almost surreal aspiration.
Cardinal Tagle was a familiar presence in this area, often seen by many. The moment is poised to bring great joy to Filipinos. “It will make me very proud as a Filipino,” stated the 37-year-old vendor.
Mr. Padasas believed that Tagle would embody the same kindness as Pope Francis.
If that occurs, I would consider myself quite fortunate. How many individuals can claim to have encountered two popes simultaneously?
