Lolo Kiko made me proud to be Catholic

FINDING ANSWERS As the world mourned the passing of Pope Francis on Easter Monday last week and as tributes poured in, there was no doubt how much he was loved – a love so profound for the grandfatherly figure who had comforted the weary and lifted the downtrodden. He was especially loved by Filipinos who affectionately called him Lolo Kiko. All throughout his papacy, he lived and breathed Gospel values that speak straight to the Filipino soul: kababaang-loob (humility) and pakikisama (solidarity), as well as unwavering hope, unbridled compassion, and mercy.

But more important than our love for Lolo Kiko was the impact of his words and actions. It reminded the world, and especially us in the Philippines, of the tenderness and nearness of God’s love. Pope Francis was a beacon of hope for Catholics and non-Catholics alike.



His papacy had touched the lives of millions across religious and cultural divides. He proved to be more than just the leader of the Catholic Church; he was a global figure of compassion, humility, and justice. In many of my columns on various topics, I made it a point to quote Pope Francis because I knew his words resonated not only with Catholics but with people of all faiths – and even those with none – inspiring a revitalized outlook on humanity’s need for inclusion and care for the marginalized.

From the very beginning of his papacy in 2013, Pope Francis set a tone of simplicity and humility that immediately distinguished him. He preferred to reside in a modest guesthouse at the Vatican, instead of the lavish and ornate Apostolic Palace. He rode in a small car, instead of the sleek limo that people of power are used to.

His commitment to social justice became a hallmark of his leadership. He consistently spoke out against economic inequality, the culture of indifference that allows suffering to persist, as well as a “throwaway culture” that is hastening environmental destruction. His 2015 encyclical Laudito Si called for urgent action on climate change.

It was a clarion call for the world to care for “our common home.” Its message resonated far beyond the Church, bridging the gap between religious teachings and global, secular concerns, fostering dialogue between communities of faith, scientists, policymakers, activists, and many others. Pope Francis reshaped the global conscience in a world overwhelmed by fear, indifference, and nationalism.

He spoke for refugees fleeing war and poverty, insisting that "each migrant has a name, a face, and a story." He reframed the refugee crisis not as a political burden, but as a moral challenge – pushing governments, communities, and ordinary citizens to recognize the humanity of migrants fleeing war, poverty, and persecution. The moral impact of Pope Francis’ words has been profound.

It emboldened many Catholic and non-Catholic organizations to expand humanitarian work, leading to significant increases in outreach programs. Beyond the Church, his leadership influenced secular leaders like when German Chancellor Angela Merkel cited him when defending Germany’s open-door policy for refugees during the Syrian crisis. In the Philippines, the memory of his 2015 apostolic visit to Tacloban City, the epicenter of the Super Typhoon Yolanda’s destructive onslaught, will forever be cherished.

In a moment of shared grief and faith, he showed that solidarity matters more than ceremony. “When I witnessed this disaster from Rome, I felt I had to be here. I decided to come here, I wanted to come to be with you.

.. I came a little late.

.. but here I am.

.. So many of you have lost everything.

I do not know what to tell you...

So many of you have lost members of your family. I can only be silent; I accompany you silently, with my heart,” Pope Francis said in his impromptu homily. During that 2015 Holy Mass he celebrated in Tacloban during a storm, Pope Francis was seen as a shepherd who did not rule from afar – he was in the midst of the brokenhearted, further endearing him to Filipinos.

Our love for him was evident at Luneta the following day when over six million Filipinos braved the rains and endured long hours just to get a glimpse of the man who embodied the love of Jesus for everyone. The leadership of Pope Francis, who repeatedly called upon the clergy to make the Church a “field hospital for the wounded,” was truly inspiring. His words and actions made many of us, me in particular, proud to be Catholic.

And, more importantly, Pope Francis challenged everyone of us, Catholics and non-Catholics, to be better human beings. ( [email protected] ).