The Diocese of Balanga joins the global Catholic community in mourning the passing of Pope Francis, honoring him as a shepherd of mercy, compassion, and humility who deeply impacted the lives of the faithful.
Bishop Rufino C. Sescon Jr. offered a heartfelt tribute, remembering the late pontiff as a father figure whose message of love resonated around the world.
“We grieve because we experienced his love, and we love him,” said Bishop Sescon.
He recalled the Pope’s first appearance on March 13, 2013, noting the humility and simplicity that immediately defined his papacy. The Pope’s emphasis on “encounter,” he added, underscored his advocacy for welcome, dialogue, and relationship-building — key principles of a synodal Church.
Bishop Sescon also reflected on Pope Francis’ visit to the Philippines in January 2015, following the devastation of Super Typhoon Yolanda. He described the visit as a profound moment of healing and solidarity for the nation.
“That historic visit was marked by so many embraces. He embraced us. We embraced him,” he said.
The bishop shared a personal memory from the Pope’s final Mass at Luneta, recalling the honor of embracing the Holy Father before his departure.
Pope Francis’ legacy, Bishop Sescon added, lives on in initiatives like the Jubilee Year of Mercy and the Synod on Synodality, which champion forgiveness, community, and care for the environment. He also cited Laudato Si’, the Pope’s groundbreaking encyclical, as a call to protect “our common home.”
Reflecting on his appointment as Bishop of Balanga in December 2024, Sescon recalled the Pope’s personal encouragement.
“He exhorted me to ‘show the face of Christ.’ I pray that I may be faithful to that mission,” he said.
Bishop Sescon concluded his message with words of farewell and thanksgiving, affectionately calling Pope Francis “Lolo Kiko.”
“Thank you very much, Pope Francis, for your embrace of mercy and compassion. Now it is your turn to receive the embrace of our merciful Father to eternal life,” he said.
As the Church mourns, the Diocese of Balanga finds comfort and inspiration in the enduring legacy of Pope Francis — a servant-leader who walked with the people in faith, mercy, and love. (PIA 3)
