MANILA, Philippines — With President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. set to depart for Vatican City to attend the funeral of Pope Francis, the Palace on Thursday named the officials who will temporarily oversee government affairs in his absence.
Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin will lead the team of caretakers, joined by Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla and Agrarian Reform Secretary Conrado Estrella III, according to a statement from Malacañang.
Marcos to Join Global Leaders in Vatican
Marcos, accompanied by First Lady Louise Araneta-Marcos, will fly to Rome on Thursday night to pay final respects to Pope Francis, who passed away on Monday at the age of 88.
World leaders from across continents are expected to attend the solemn service, underscoring Pope Francis’s global influence and legacy.
Pope Francis’s Cause of Death and Funeral Details
The Vatican earlier announced that the Pope died due to a stroke and irreversible heart failure, following a prolonged hospitalization caused by double pneumonia.
The funeral mass will take place at 10:00 a.m. Vatican time (4:00 p.m. Manila time) on Saturday, April 26, in St. Peter’s Square, beneath the iconic St. Peter’s Basilica.
