MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. and First Lady Louise “Liza” Araneta-Marcos are set to depart Manila Thursday night to attend the funeral of Pope Francis in Vatican City, Malacañang confirmed.
“Mamayang gabi po ang alis,” said Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Claire Castro during a media briefing. No additional details regarding the President’s itinerary or delegation were provided.
Philippines Mourns “The Best Pope”
President Marcos expressed deep sorrow over the Pontiff’s passing, calling Pope Francis the “best Pope” in his lifetime.
The Vatican announced the Pope’s death on Monday. He was 88 years old and had been suffering from double pneumonia. According to Vatican physician Dr. Andrea Arcangeli, Pope Francis died of a stroke and irreversible heart failure.
Funeral to Be Held at St. Peter’s Square
The funeral for the late Pontiff is scheduled for Saturday, April 26, at 10 a.m. Vatican time (4 p.m. Manila time). The service will take place at St. Peter’s Square, beneath the shadow of St. Peter’s Basilica, where world leaders, dignitaries, and faithful from around the globe are expected to gather.
Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio, was the 266th Pope of the Roman Catholic Church and the first from the Americas. His passing marks the end of a historic papacy defined by calls for compassion, reform, and global solidarity.
