The world mourns the loss of a beloved shepherd—His Holiness Pope Francis. His passing on April 21, 2025, at the age of 88, marks the end of an era filled with compassion, humility, and boundless hope. A true representative of God on earth, Pope Francis was more than just a religious leader; he was a living testament to mercy, love, and kindness.
I remember it like it was yesterday—the year was 2015, during his Apostolic Visit to the Philippines. It was a time when the country desperately needed healing and hope. His visit brought something inexplicable, something divine. It felt as if God Himself was embracing our nation through him.
I found myself at the University of Santo Tomas (UST), not even inside the campus, but standing with thousands—perhaps millions—of other faithful souls outside, all hoping for just a glimpse of him. The odds were against us; the crowd was overwhelming, the gates were high, and the distance vast. But faith moves mountains, they say, and that day, it moved me too. I tried everything—inching forward, climbing gates, praying with every step—just to catch even a shadow of the Holy Father.
And then, like a miracle, it happened. I saw him. In his Pope mobile, waving with a gentle, radiant smile that seemed to transcend distance. Though far, I could feel his presence so vividly, as if he was right beside me. In that fleeting moment, hope was no longer an abstract word—it was a person. It was him.
It’s hard to put into words what that moment felt like. It was as if the sky itself opened up and poured down grace upon us. I almost cried. I almost knelt right there on the pavement. And as I went home, the feeling of being blessed, of being touched by something divine, lingered in my heart.
The entire country felt it too.
The days surrounding his visit were filled with so much goodness. Even the air seemed lighter, the smiles broader, the kindness more abundant. Through TV coverage, my family and I shared moments of awe, often with tears in our eyes. Pope Francis was not just visiting—he was bringing with him a living, breathing reminder of God’s unconditional love.
Today, that memory is bittersweet. His passing has turned that beautiful moment into a treasured memory—one that I will carry with me for the rest of my life. I saw a Pope. I saw the Pope who changed the world by simply being a reflection of God’s immense love.
Pope Francis may have left this earthly life, but his light continues to shine within us. His teachings, his kindness, and the hope he embodied live on in every heart he touched. As noted in a tribute by Vatican News, his memory is indeed a blessing to many around the world.
Thank you, dear Holy Father, for being the miracle we needed. We will never forget you.
Rest in the eternal embrace of our Heavenly Father, Pope Francis.
You have fought the good fight, you have finished the race, you have kept the faith. Well done, good and faithful servant!
