BALANGA CITY (PIA) — The Diocese of Balanga mourns the passing of Pope Francis, remembering him as a beacon of mercy, compassion, and humility who touched the lives of countless faithful around the world.
In his message, Bishop Rufino C. Sescon Jr. expressed deep sorrow and gratitude for the life and ministry of the Holy Father, whom he described as a figure of fatherly love and mercy.
“We grieve because we experienced his love and we love him,” Sescon said.
The bishop recalled Pope Francis’ first public appearance on March 13, 2013, noting the humility and simplicity that marked his papacy from the very beginning.
“His constant message was that God is merciful and compassionate. He often used the word ‘encounter’ to emphasize the importance of welcome, dialogue, and building relationships — the pillars of a synodal Church,” he said.
Bishop Sescon highlighted Pope Francis’ visit to the Philippines in January 2015 following the devastation of super typhoon Yolanda, saying the pontiff’s presence brought comfort and healing to the nation.
“That historic visit was marked by so many embraces. He embraced us. We embraced him,” Sescon said.
He shared a personal moment from the Pope’s final Mass at Luneta, expressing gratitude for having helped organize the visit.
“He allowed me to embrace him before he boarded the plane,” the bishop said.
He also spoke of how the Jubilee Year of Mercy and the Synod on Synodality reflected Pope Francis’ call to forgiveness, care for one another, and for the environment.
“In his groundbreaking encyclical Laudato Si’, he pleaded with us to embrace Mother Nature, our common home,” Sescon said.
Reflecting on his own appointment as Bishop of Balanga in December 2024, he said the Pope entrusted him with a mission.
“He exhorted me to ‘show the face of Christ.’ I pray that I may be faithful to that mission,” he said.
He ended his message with words of farewell and thanksgiving to the late pope, affectionately calling him “Lolo Kiko.”
“Thank you very much, Pope Francis, for your embrace of mercy and compassion. Now it is your turn to receive the embrace of our merciful Father to eternal life,” Sescon said.
As the Church mourns, Bishop Sescon finds strength in the example Pope Francis left behind — one of mercy, humility, and unwavering faith. (CLJD/RPQ, PIA Region 3-Bataan)
