The Catholic faithful attend a requiem mass at the Minor Basilica and National Shrine of Jesus Nazareno in honor of the late Pope Francis, April 26, 2025 in Quiapo, Manila. Job Manahan, ABS-CBN News
MANILA -- Hundreds of Catholics on Saturday paid tribute to Pope Francis during a requiem mass at the Minor Basilica and National Shrine of Jesus Nazareno, with priests saying they would remember the late Pontiff through his smile which seemed to be his trademark.
In his homily, Rev. Fr. Jonathan Noel Mojica said Lolo Kiko, as he was fondly called by Filipinos, was special.
Mojica remembered when the Pope visited the Philippines in 2015 and when he was assigned to be an altar server at Manila Cathedral during an event.
READ: Young Filipinos mourn death of 'Lolo Kiko', recount how late Pope restored faith
"Ang una niyang binabati ay mga altar server. Matagal na kaming nagse-serve pero yun ang unang pagkakataon na nanlamig parang yelo ang kamay ko," he said.
"Habang papalapit siya, ang iba nagpa-practice ng sasabihin, ako po ay walang masabi. Parang ang dila ko ay napalupot. Di ko alam kung maiintindihan ba ako kung mag-English ba'ko. Pero inabot ko ang kamay ko at humalik sa kanyang singsing. Hindi ko alam kung anong reaksyon niya sa nakahawak na kamay na singlamig ng yelo," he said.
"Siguro ang trademark niya lagi siyang nakangiti and that smile would always remain in our hearts," he said.
Rev. Fr. Paul Gungon, who was also an altar server at the time, recalled his closest interaction with Pope Francis.
"He was really a holy man. Napakabanal niya. Makita mo yung aura niya. He was very simple yet you would really feel the presence of the Lord in Him. His Holiness and humility as well," said Gungon.
"Pag makikita mo siya at first, you would feel that awe, that this person is really holy, this person is really the vicar of Christ. The presence of Jesus, pero yung presence ni Jesus makikita mo sa kanya," he said.
The priest described the opportunity as a "blessing" since not all seminarians during that time would have the chance to see and interact with the Pope.
Some Catholic faithful also went to Quiapo Church to pray for the repose of Pope Francis' soul. The Argentine pontiff died on Monday at the age of 88.
Among them was Catherine Intal, who admired her Lolo Kiko for pushing on despite his illness.
READ: Francis's funeral to be grand farewell to 'pope of the poor'
"Ngayon ang libing niya, dumayo din kami para ipag-pray siya at maging peaceful ang kanyang pag-akyat sa Panginoon," she said.
"Kahit may sakit siya, nakakapaglingkod pa rin siya para sa atin, pinagpe-pray kaming mga may sakit. Yun ang pinasasalamatan ko sa kanya," she added.
Pope Francis will be laid to rest at the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome later at 4 p.m. (PH time).
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