VATICAN CITY — The Philippine Embassy in the Vatican is making final preparations for the arrival of President Marcos Jr. and First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos.
They will attend the funeral of Pope Francis on Saturday, April 26, at St. Peter’s Square, alongside global religious and political leaders.
Tents have been installed around the Basilica for journalists and emergency responders who will assist during the solemn ceremony.
Security has been tightened throughout Vatican City, especially near the Basilica where the public is viewing the late Pope’s remains.
Philippine Ambassador to the Holy See Myla Macahilig remembered her 2021 meeting with the Pope when she presented her credentials.
“He was gentle and warm, like a true grandfather,” Macahilig said. “It was a joyful, unforgettable experience for my family and me.”
Staff at the Embassy also expressed gratitude for having personally met and greeted the late pontiff during official Vatican events.
Pope Francis died Monday at 88 due to double pneumonia, a stroke, and irreversible heart failure, according to Vatican doctors.
Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio, he was the first Latin American and first Jesuit elected as pope in March 2013.
Filipinos fondly called him “Lolo Kiko.” He visited the Philippines in 2015 and celebrated Mass in storm-hit Tacloban City.
Pope Francis requested a simple tomb in Santa Maria Maggiore Basilica, a site he often visited before and after each papal trip.
His funeral will be held at 10 a.m. Vatican time in St. Peter’s Square, where thousands are expected to gather and pray.