MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Wednesday declared a period of national mourning following the death of Pope Francis, who passed away at the age of 88 on Monday due to a stroke and irreversible heart failure.
The announcement was made by the Presidential Communications Office (PCO), stating that the mourning period will take effect immediately and continue until the day of the Pope’s funeral, which is scheduled for Saturday in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican.
“During this period, the Philippine flag shall be flown at half-mast on all government buildings and installations both in the country and abroad,” Malacañang said in an official statement.
“We join the world in mourning a leader of faith, love, and humanity,” the Palace added.
Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Claire Castro also confirmed that President Marcos and First Lady Louise “Liza” Araneta-Marcos will attend the papal funeral, joining world leaders in paying final respects to the pontiff.
Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, Argentina, was elected as the 266th Pope of the Roman Catholic Church in 2013, succeeding Pope Benedict XVI. Known for his humility and strong advocacy for the marginalized, he led the Church through over a decade of social and spiritual reform.
In accordance with his final wishes, the Pope will be buried in a simple tomb within Santa Maria Maggiore, his beloved basilica in Rome.
The declaration of national mourning highlights the profound influence Pope Francis had on Filipino Catholics, who make up the majority of the country’s population.