Negrenses mourn Pope Francis’ death

Pope Francis smiles at the start of his homily during the Holy mass at the Manila cathedral on January 16, 2015. Pope Francis on January 16 demanded leaders in the Philippines end “scandalous social inequalities”, hitting out at corruption in a nation where tens of millions of Catholics endure brutal poverty. AFP PHOTO/TED ALJIBE (Photo by Ted ALJIBE / AFP)

BACOLOD CITY — Negrenses expressed grief over the death of Pope Francis.

Bacolod Bishop Patricio Buzon on Monday, April 21, said the Holy Father was a great loss not only to the Catholic Church but to the world.

“He was a leader who championed the cause of the poor and worked so hard for world peace,” the prelate said.

“Let us pray for him and keep alive the causes he worked so hard for,” Buzon added.

The frail Pope greeted thousands of people in St. Peter’s Square after Easter Mass on Sunday, the day before his death.

Negros Occidental Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson said he joins the entire nation and the rest of the world in mourning the Pope’s passing.

“In his lifetime, Pope Francis was the embodiment of humility, compassion and faith. His papacy was marked by an unwavering commitment to peace, unity, and inclusion — especially for those in need and the marginalized,” he said.

“Most of all, he led us closer to Jesus through his example of servant leadership,” the governor added.

While the Pope’s passing is a profound loss, Lacson said his legacy would endure in the lives he touched and in the love and hope he inspired in millions across the globe.

“We offer our prayers for the eternal repose of his soul, and we thank God for the gift of his life and service. May he rest in God’s eternal peace,” he said.

Bacolod Mayor Alfredo Abelardo Benitez echoed similar sentiments.

“His life was a testament to humility, compassion and unwavering faith,” he said.

“He brought the Church closer to the margins — amplifying the voices of the poor, the forgotten and the suffering. His message of mercy and love resonated across cultures and creeds, reminding us all of the sacred value of human dignity,” he added.

Benitez said the Pope’s memory should “inspire us to lead lives marked by justice, compassion and peace.”

“We offer our prayers for the eternal repose of Pope Francis’ soul, and we give thanks for his life of service, wisdom, and moral courage,” he said.