HOUSE Speaker Martin Romualdez and Tingog Party-list Representative Jude Acidre on Monday expressed deep sorrow over the passing of Pope Francis, remembering his historic visit to Tacloban City in 2015 as a powerful moment of faith, compassion, and solidarity with a grieving nation.
Romualdez, who hails from Leyte — one of the areas hardest hit by Super Typhoon Yolanda — recalled how the pontiff personally came to Tacloban just over a year after the deadly storm, braving strong rains and winds to stand with survivors.
“I will never forget how he came to Tacloban in the aftermath of Typhoon Yolanda, when our people were suffering beyond words,” Romualdez said. “He braved the storm, stood with us in the rain, and spoke not just as a leader of the Church, but as someone who truly felt our pain.”
Romualdez said Pope Francis’ presence alone uplifted the spirits of thousands who were still reeling from the devastation.
“His presence gave us strength. His words reminded us that even in loss, we were not alone. That God had not abandoned us,” he said, describing the Pope as a “guiding light in times of darkness.”
For his part, Representative Acidre called the Tacloban visit a defining memory, painting a vivid picture of the Pope standing in the middle of a storm as a symbol of courage and compassion.
“That grey, stormy day in January 2015… the skies were dark, the winds fierce, the pain still fresh. And yet, he came,” Acidre said. “Soaked by the rain, unbothered by the storm, he stood with us in the middle of our suffering.”
“He didn’t give a long speech. He didn’t need to. His presence alone was the message. His tears were a prayer. His embrace, a blessing,” he added.
Both lawmakers highlighted how that single visit left an indelible mark on the hearts of Filipinos — not only in Tacloban, but across the nation.
Pope Francis died early Monday at the age of 88 at the Vatican’s Casa Santa Marta. His death, which fell on Easter Monday, was described by Acidre as spiritually symbolic — a reminder of life triumphing over death.
Cardinal Kevin Farrell, Camerlengo of the Apostolic Chamber, confirmed the Pope’s passing and praised him as “a true disciple of the Lord Jesus.”
