MANILA, Philippines — Television host and former basketball star Chris Tiu paid an emotional tribute to Pope Francis, who passed away on Monday at the age of 88.
In a heartfelt Instagram post, the iBilib host shared a cherished photo of his personal encounter with the pontiff during the Papal Audience in Vatican City in 2015. The image shows Tiu and Pope Francis warmly clasping hands and exchanging smiles—an encounter Tiu described as one of the defining moments of his life.
“Your life of service and unwavering loyalty to God & the Church has inspired me and so many others,” Tiu wrote. “You have championed inclusivity, mercy, simplicity, charity, peace, and love—exactly what the world needs.”
Tiu recalled that during their brief exchange, the Pope had asked him to “always pray for him” before handing him a rosary.
“I remember feeling stunned, as if I had met a saint,” he added. “It made me want to become a better person.”
Tiu also shared that he often turned to the words of Pope Francis in moments of confusion or doubt, drawing inspiration from the pontiff’s messages of compassion and humility.
“This is one of the highlights of my life and I will cherish it forever. Rest in peace now, our dearest Pope Francis,” he said.
The Vatican announced the Pope’s death on Monday in a video statement. He had been suffering from a double bout of pneumonia and died of a stroke and irreversible heart failure, according to his death certificate.
On Wednesday, Pope Francis’ body was brought to St. Peter’s Basilica, where he will lie in state until Friday night. His funeral is scheduled for Saturday.
Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Pope Francis became the first Latin American pope when he was elected on March 13, 2013. He visited the Philippines in 2015, leaving a deep spiritual impact on the predominantly Catholic nation.