Filipino Catholic priest Fr. Manuel Bongayan, a member of the Society of the Divine Word (SVD), shared his sentiments on the passing of Pope Francis, noting that his funeral was not only a goodbye but also a thanksgiving to the Pope.
During the day of Pope Francis' funeral, Fr. Bongayan acknowledged the Pope's simplicity and his deep love for the people. He believed that these traits could lead to Pope Francis eventually being declared a saint.
"Tayo ay naririto, hindi tayo nagpapaalam, ito po'y paalam sa atin at salamat kay Pope Francis, pero alam po ninyo na maaari itong si Pope Francis in no time, sa palagay ko ay magiging Santo rin," said Fr. Bongayan.
"Alam naman natin kung papaano open na open, merciful si Pope Francis sa mga nasa laylayan especially those who were in need. Kaya nga siya ang Pope of mercy, mercy, mercy and love," he added.
According to Fr. Bongayan, Pope Francis showed great humility, simplicity, and genuine care for people.
"He was so open to the people and he was welcoming all the people that go to his place. Sa kanya, all are part of the domestical body of Christ," said Bongayan.
Known affectionately as "Lolo Kiko" in the Philippines, Pope Francis will be buried not at St. Peter’s Basilica but at the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, where the last pope to be buried was laid to rest 100 years ago, according to Fr. Bongayan.
Before his passing, Pope Francis expressed his wish to be laid to rest in a simple tomb.
"As I sense the approaching twilight of my earthly life, and with firm hope in eternal life. I wish to set out my final wishes solely regarding the place of my burial," the Pope stated.
"Throughout my life, and during my ministry as a priest and bishop, I have always entrusted myself to the Mother of Our Lord, the Blessed Virgin Mary. For this reason, I ask that my mortal remains rest - awaiting the day of the Resurrection - in the Papal Basilica of Saint Mary Major," he added.
Pope Francis last visited the Philippines from January 15 to 19, 2015. During this pastoral and state visit, he engaged with various communities, including survivors of natural disasters, and celebrated a historic Mass at Manila's Quirino Grandstand, which drew an estimated six million attendees, marking it as one of the largest papal gatherings in history.
Pope Francis passed away on April 21, at the age of 88, due to a cerebral stroke that led to a coma and irreversible heart failure.
The Vatican confirmed that his death occurred at 7:35 a.m. local time at his residence in Domus Sanctae Marthae, Vatican City.
In the weeks leading up to his passing, Pope Francis had been recovering from a serious bout of double pneumonia, which required a five-week hospitalization. He was discharged in late March but remained physically weakened.
Despite his declining health, he made a final public appearance on Easter Sunday, April 20, delivering the traditional Urbi et Orbi blessing from St. Peter’s Basilica.
