Marcos declares period of nat’l mourning over Pope Francis’ death

Malacañang has declared a period of national mourning over the passing of Pope Francis, effective immediately until his burial on Saturday. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini, Pool)

MANILA, Philippines —  Malacañang has declared a period of national mourning over the passing of Pope Francis, effective immediately until his burial on Saturday.

Proclamation No. 871, signed by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin on Wednesday, said that the Argentine pontiff “became a global symbol of humility, compassion, and peace, devoting his ministry to the care of the poor, marginalized, and vulnerable, and advocating tirelessly for social justice, equality, and interfaith dialogue.”

The presidential proclamation also said the passing of the Pope, affectionately known to Filipinos as “Lolo Kiko,” brought profound sorrow for the Catholic Church and for Filipinos,“who recognize him as a global leader of compassion and a tireless advocate for peace, justice, and human dignity.”

“NOW, THEREFORE, I, FERDINAND R. MARCOS, JR., President of the Philippines, by virtue of the powers vested in me by the Constitution and existing laws, do hereby declare a period of National Mourning effective immediately until the burial of Pope Francis,” it read.

“During this period of mourning, the national flag shall be flown at half-mast from sunrise to sunset, on all government buildings and installations throughout the Philippines and abroad,” the proclamation also said.

READ: Marcos to attend Pope Francis funeral

Earlier in the day, Palace Press Officer Claire Castro confirmed that President Marcos and First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos will attend the funeral of Pope Francis in Vatican City.

There is no information yet on when the first couple will fly to Vatican City.

Pope Francis’ burial has been set for Saturday at 10 a.m. in St. Peter’s Square, where the Argentine pontiff also made his last appearance through an Easter Sunday blessing and a popemobile tour.

The pope died on Monday at the age of 88 after suffering from a stroke and cardiac arrest.

In a statement posted on his social media accounts on the same day, Marcos described the Argentine pontiff as a man with “profound faith and humility.”