Vatican Funeral: Pres. Marcos, and First Lady
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APRIL 26,2025
VATICAN CITY — President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. and First Lady Liza Araneta Marcos joined thousands of mourners at the funeral mass of Pope Francis on Saturday, held in front of the historic St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City.
The Filipino First Couple stood alongside an array of world leaders and dignitaries, including US President Donald Trump, UK’s Prince William, and French President Emmanuel Macron, in honoring the life and legacy of the beloved pontiff. Before the funeral mass began around 4 p.m. Philippine time, President Marcos and the First Lady also shared a brief but warm exchange with former US President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden.
In a heartfelt statement, President Marcos reflected on the significance of his attendance at the funeral, saying he came “as a gesture of deep respect — from one of the world’s most faithful nations to a pope who touched the hearts of millions.”
“I represented not just the Philippine government but the everyday Filipino — prayerful, hopeful, and grateful — who would have wanted to be there to say thank you to a shepherd who made them feel seen,” Marcos shared.
“This is a moment of shared faith, national pride, and quiet tribute from the Filipino people to a pope who walked with the humble and gave voice to the unseen.”
First Lady Liza Araneta Marcos also fondly recalled her personal encounter with Pope Francis during his visit to the Philippines in 2015, a moment cherished by many Filipinos.
“When I met him, he [was] humble and kind, and you feel like you’re blessed by God,” she told GMA Integrated News’ Vicky Morales on Friday.
Pope Francis passed away on April 21 after suffering a stroke and irreversible heart failure. He was 88 years old. Just a day prior, the Holy Father had appeared on the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica to deliver his Easter blessing — a final, poignant moment that touched millions around the world.
In honor of the late pope, President Marcos declared a period of national mourning in the Philippines, a predominantly Catholic nation known for its deep devotion to the Catholic Church and its leaders.
Vatican Funeral-The Filipino People Mourn Together
Across the Philippines, churches have been holding special masses and offering prayers for Pope Francis, whose humility, compassion, and advocacy for people with low incomes left an indelible mark on countless lives.
The passing of Pope Francis is not only a profound loss for the Catholic Church but also for the millions of Filipinos who admired him as a beacon of hope, love, and faith.
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