In a poignant tribute following the passing of Pope Francis, Filipinos reflect on the profound impact he had during his visit to the Philippines, particularly during a harrowing moment in 2015 when a typhoon threatened his open-air mass in Tacloban. On that fateful day, despite warnings from organizers to cancel the event, Pope Francis demonstrated remarkable resilience and commitment by proceeding with the mass, honoring the memory of over 6,000 victims who lost their lives in the devastating Super Typhoon Haiyan in 2013.

As he arrived in Tacloban, the weather was anything but hospitable, with palm trees swaying violently under the force of the storm. Yet, the sight of Pope Francis, affectionately referred to as Lolo Kiko, or Grandpa Francis, stepping onto the makeshift stage in front of hundreds of thousands of devoted pilgrims, became an emblem of hope and solidarity in a nation that has endured much hardship. The Popes visit resonated deeply in the Philippines, the largest Roman Catholic country in Asia, where spiritual fervor is intertwined with the nations identity, a legacy stemming from Spanish colonization in the 16th century.

Pope Francis's message during that mass laid bare the struggles faced by the Filipino people, especially those who had suffered tremendous losses in the typhoon. So many of you have lost everything, he said, addressing the crowd, who stood soaked in the rain. I do not know what to tell you. But surely He knows 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. His words were a balm for many in attendance, but tragedy struck when a steel scaffolding collapsed during the event, resulting in the death of Kristel, a 27-year-old aid worker.

Paul Padasas Jr, Kristels father, felt his world shatter upon hearing the news of her death. In an emotional recount, he described how he struggled to comprehend why such a calamity had befallen his family at such a critical moment. His heartbreak turned to a flicker of hope when he received an invitation to meet the Pope at the Vaticans diplomatic mission. Accompanied by his wife and brother-in-law, Padasas was invited to hear the Popes message of condolence, which included a mention of Kristel. Overwhelmed by emotion, he felt a sense of peace upon receiving a blessing from Pope Francis, who assured him of his prayers and support.

The visit, just two years into Pope Francis's papacy, was marked by both challenges and triumphs. His plane, humorously nicknamed Shepherd One, successfully returned to Manila, despite the inclement weather, allowing him to conduct a mass attended by an astonishing six million peoplea gathering that surpassed even the historical record set by Pope John Paul II in 1995. This unprecedented turnout underscored the Pope's significant influence and the fervent devotion of the Filipino faithful.

As news of Pope Francis's death at the age of 88 spread across the Philippines, many took to their local churches, ringing bells and hanging portraits of the beloved pontiff as symbols of their grief. Paul Padasas, reflecting on the Pope's legacy, reached for his daughters photo, praying for a joyous reunion in heaven. He treasures the rosary given to him by Pope Francis, stating, I will not sell this, even for a million dollars.

The sentiment echoed throughout the country. Renzie Sarmiento, a 19-year-old nursing student, expressed how Pope Francis's messages of love and acceptance resonated with him as a member of the LGBT community. He is truly the people's pope, Sarmiento said, emphasizing the hope that the next pope will continue to embrace diversity within the Catholic Church.

As the nation gathers to mourn, conversations emerge about the future of the papacy. Many Filipinos are eager for the next leader of the Catholic Church to emerge from one of the largest Catholic populations globally, a reflection of their deep-rooted faith and the desire for representation in a pivotal religious institution.

Memorial masses continue to be held across the Philippines, as the faithful celebrate the life and legacy of Pope Francis, a figure who not only faced storms but also brought light and hope to countless lives.