Marcos declares national mourning for Pope Francis; BARMM joins nation in grief

DAVAO CITY (April 23) — President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has declared a period of national mourning following the death of Pope Francis, a revered global religious leader and a figure deeply admired by Filipinos.

Through Proclamation No. 871 signed on Wednesday, Marcos ordered that all flags in government buildings and installations in the Philippines and abroad be flown at half-mast, effective immediately until the Pope’s burial.

“The passing of Pope Francis is a moment of profound sorrow for the Catholic Church and for the Filipino people, who recognize him as a global leader of compassion and a tireless advocate for peace, justice, and human dignity,” the proclamation read.

President Marcos and First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos will attend the Pope’s funeral at St. Peter’s Square in Vatican City at 10 a.m. (4 p.m. Manila time) on Saturday. After the service, Pope Francis’ remains will be moved to St. Peter’s Basilica and later entombed at the Basilica of St. Mary Major.

The pontiff passed away on Monday at the age of 88 due to a stroke and irreversible cardiocirculatory collapse, according to Vatican officials.

Pope Francis visited the Philippines in 2015, drawing one of the largest crowds in papal history. Millions attended his public Mass at Luneta and in other parts of the country. President Marcos described him as the “best Pope” of his lifetime.

In a separate statement, the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) also expressed its condolences to the global Catholic community.

“On behalf of the Bangsamoro Government, we extend our deepest sympathies to our Christian brothers and sisters around the world. Pope Francis was a true symbol of interfaith dialogue, peacebuilding, and compassion. His teachings resonated across faiths, and his leadership inspired countless lives—including those in the Bangsamoro,” the statement read.

BARMM Chief Minister Abdulraof Macacua has also instructed regional offices to observe the national mourning period in solidarity with the rest of the country.

The nation continues to reflect on Pope Francis’ legacy of humility, inclusiveness, and moral courage in addressing some of the world’s most pressing challenges.