Pope Francis. INQUIRER FILES
MANILA, Philippines — Pope Francis expressed his condolences and prayers for the country on the death of former president Fidel Ramos, the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) news agency said on Tuesday.
Pope Francis, in a letter addressed to President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. shared by the CBCP News, said he extends to the president and to the people of the Philippines “heartfelt condolences and the assurance of my prayers.”
“Mindful of the late president’s years of service to the nation and his efforts in fostering the values of democracy, peace, and the rule of law, I commend his soul to the mercy of Almighty God,” the Pope said.
“Upon President Ramos’ family and all who mourn his passing, I invoke the divine blessings of consolation and peace,” he continued.
Ramos, who served as the 12th president of the Philippines from 1992 to 1998, died on July 31, at the age of 94.
The late chief executive was laid to rest Tuesday at the Libingan ng mga Bayani, and was given full military honors with a 21-gun salute.
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