Sara Duterte on passing of Pope Francis: Let us pray for him

Vice President Sara Duterte | PHOTO: Official Facebook page of Inday Sara Duterte

MANILA, Philippines — Vice President Sara Duterte on Tuesday encouraged Filipinos to draw strength from the aspirations left by Pope Francis, affectionately known to Filipinos as “Lolo Kiko.”

In a video statement posted on her social media account, Duterte joined the public in mourning the passing of the pontiff, who died on Monday at the age of 88.

She also described him as a shepherd “who taught us to be compassionate, forgiving, and merciful in a world poisoned by social inequities, greed, hate, and wars.”

READ: Pope Francis: Remembering his life, teachings and legacy – Live Updates

“May we find strength and continue to live with the aspirations left by His Holiness as a man with the mission to bring the Gospel to the faithful, especially the poor, the sick, and the dying,” Duterte also said.

The vice president further said Pope Francis was a leader who guided Roman Catholics with “humility, dedication, and faith” as a disciple of God.

“Let us pray for the eternal repose of the Holy Father, Pope Francis,” Duterte also said.

Pope Francis made a historic visit to the Philippines in 2015, following the catastrophe left by Super Typhoon Yolanda (international name: Haiyan) in 2013.

READ: Marcos: Pope Francis was with ‘profound faith, humility’

During his visit, the pope celebrated Mass at the Manila Cathedral and the Pontifical and Royal University of Santo Tomas.

He also held an emotional outdoor Mass in Tacloban City amid strong rains and winds brought about by an approaching storm.