As the world mourns the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis, we join the global community in these moments of sorrow and in remembrance of the legacy of love and compassion that he has left behind. A shepherd of compassion, humility, and unwavering faith, Pope Francis spent his life at the service of others and to the message of love, mercy, and unity.
He was a shepherd whose heart beat for the most vulnerable among us, a voice of compassion in a world increasingly divided, a servant who walked humbly with God. He once said, “The name of God is Mercy.” In his true life, he lived out what mercy is by his own actions. His life and legacy touched people everywhere: His pursuit of peace, justice, and dignity for all people — no matter their race, creed or background — made the world a better place. In tumultuous times of division and uncertainty, he was a voice of conscience, a beacon of hope, an unwavering defender of the downtrodden and dispossessed.
His entire life has been devoted to service of the Lord and His Church. He has taught us to approach the principles of the Gospel with fairness, courage and real charity. We ask for the perpetual repose of his soul, and we surrender him with profound thanksgiving for his examples as a true Disciple of the Lord Jesus to the infinitely merciful love of our One and Triune God. We call on the people of the Philippines to internalize, live out, and embody the truly liberating aspects of the Pope’s life and teachings.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the Catholic community and all who drew hope and strength from his words and deeds. May his spirit always lead us to a more just, compassionate and united world.
May Pope Francis rest in peace in eternity. Your light will still shine.
Issued and signed on this day, 22nd April 2025
(Sgd.) Bishop Joseph G. Agpaoa
United Church of Christ in the Philippines
Co-chairperson, Ecumenical Bishops Forum
(Sgd.) The Rt. Rev. Nestor G. Poltic, Sr.
Prime Bishop, Episcopal Church in the Philippines
Co-chairperson, Ecumenical Bishops Forum
(Sgd.) Bishop Ciriaco Q. Francisco (Ret.)
United Methodist Church
General Secretary, Ecumenical Bishops Forum
(Sgd.) Bishop Ruby-Nell M. Estrella
United Methodist Church
Treasurer, Ecumenical Bishops Forum
(Sgd.) The Rt. Revd. Emelyn G. Dacuycuy
Iglesia Filipina Independiente
Auditor, Ecumenical Bishops Forum
(Sgd.) Bishop Emeritus Deogracias S. Iñiguez, Jr., D.D.
Roman Catholic Church of the Philippines
Member-at-Large, Ecumenical Bishops Forum