Pope Francis was guiding light for Filipinos after Yolanda – Romualdez (2025)

MANILA, Philippines — Pope Francis was not just the leader of the Roman Catholic Church but also a guiding light for Filipinos after Super Typhoon Yolanda ravaged the country, House Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez said on Monday as the world mourns the pontiff’s passing.

In a statement, Romualdez remembered Pope Francis by noting how he stood with Filipinos, and even came to Leyte to stand with Yolanda survivors.

“It is with a heavy heart that I join the world in mourning the passing of Pope Francis, whom we in Leyte — and across the Philippines — lovingly called ‘Lolo Kiko’,” Romualdez, who represents Leyte’s first district, said.

“To us, he was more than a Pope. He was a father, a friend, a guiding light in times of darkness. I will never forget how he came to Tacloban in the aftermath of Typhoon Yolanda, when our people were suffering beyond words,” he added.

When Pope Francis visited the Philippines in January 2015, he made a stop in Leyte, which was still reeling from the effects of Yolanda. The pope, who was already 78 at that time, braved strong winds and rain caused by Tropical Storm Amang.

READ: Leyteños sad Pope’s visit was cut short by typhoon but glad he’s safe back in Manila

The Vatican eventually decided to cut Pope Francis’ trip to Leyte short because of the bad weather, but Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle, who was then Manila’s archbishop, noted several firsts in the visit.

According to Tagle, Pope Francis told him that it was the first time that the pontiff celebrated a Mass in stormy weather.

READ: Tagle lists ‘firsts’ in Pope’s visit to Leyte

Romualdez said this gesture from the pope, who was seen visiting families in Yolanda-hit areas, was much appreciated by Leyte natives.

“He braved the storm, stood with us in the rain, and spoke not just as a leader of the Church, but as someone who truly felt our pain. His presence alone gave us strength. His words reminded us that even in loss, we were not alone. That God had not abandoned us,” Romualdez said.

“That was who Pope Francis was—someone who saw beyond titles, beyond barriers. He reached out to the poor, the sick, the forgotten, and gave them a voice. He reminded us that true power lies in service, and that faith is not just about rituals, but about love in action,” he added.

READ: Pope Francis: Remembering his life, teachings and legacy – Live Updates

Pope Francis, an Argentinian cardinal born as Jorge Mario Bergoglio, passed away early Monday morning in the Vatican, just a day after the Catholic world celebrated Easter Sunday to commemorate Jesus Christ’s resurrection. He was 88.

His passing came after making a much hoped-for appearance at Saint Peter’s Square on Easter Sunday. Prior to his return to his duties, Pope Francis suffered from a bout with pneumonia, during which insiders said he came close to dying twice.

He spent 38 days in the hospital before he was released on March 23.

“The world has lost a great man. But the kindness, the wisdom, and the deep compassion he shared with us will never fade. Lolo Kiko may have left this earth, but his spirit will live on in every heart he touched,” Romualdez said.

“Rest now, Holy Father. You have done more than enough. Thank you for loving us. Thank you for believing in us. We will carry your light forward,” he added.