President Marcos, first lady join world leaders in honoring Pope Francis
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos join world leaders and thousands of mourners at Pope Francis’ funeral at St. Peter’s Square in Vatican City on Saturday, April 26, 2025. (Photo from Presidential Communications Office)
MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos on Saturday joined world leaders and the Catholic faithful in paying final respects to Pope Francis.
The First Couple attended the late pontiff’s funeral at St. Peter’s Square in Vatican City, which began at 4 p.m. Philippine time.
About 170 world leaders and 200,000 people attended the funeral, according to a statement from the Presidential Communications Office.
In an interview with GMA News upon arriving in Vatican City, the First Lady recalled her fond memories of meeting Pope Francis, describing him as “humble [and] kind.”
LIST: World figures at Pope Francis’ funeral
Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio, died April 21 at age 88 due to a “cerebral stroke, coma and irreversible cardiovascular collapse,” according to the medical certificate published on the Vatican website.
In accordance with his wishes, Pope Francis will be laid to rest not in the traditional papal tombs beneath St. Peter’s Basilica, but in the Basilica of Saint Mary Major.
He will be the first pope in more than a century to be buried outside the Vatican.
Marcos, through Proclamation No. 871 issued Wednesday, declared a period of national mourning throughout the country, ordering Philippine flags flown at half-staff in all government buildings and installations until the pontiff’s burial.
Filipinos’ ‘Lolo Kiko’
During his apostolic visit to the Philippines in January 2015, Pope Francis offered solace and support to the victims of 2013’s Super Typhoon Yolanda and praised Filipinos’ resilience.
Pope Francis, known for his simplicity and humility throughout his leadership, made history as the first Jesuit, the first Latin American, and the first non-European pontiff in more than 1,200 years to lead the Roman Catholic Church. He was elected pope on March 13, 2013.
He adopted the name Francis in honor of St. Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of the poor.
President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. and First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, along with other world leaders, pay their last respects to Pope Francis at the Vatican. At right, they are with President Donald Trump; at left, with former President Joe Biden. (Photos courtesy of PCO)
