The Diocese of Cubao has joined the global Catholic community in mourning the passing of Pope Francis, who returned to the Lord on Easter Monday, April 21, 2025.
In a heartfelt pastoral message, Bishop Elias L. Ayuban Jr., CMF, expressed deep sorrow and called on the clergy, consecrated persons, and lay faithful to enter into a period of communal prayer and mourning.
Ayuban, quoting 2 Timothy 4:7, portrayed the late pontiff as a devoted shepherd who persevered, completed the race, and upheld the faith. He compared the Church’s grief to that of Mary Magdalene in the Gospel of John: “We mourn the passing of our beloved Holy Father… our universal pastor, spiritual guide, and moral compass—especially in these times of great challenge and change.”
To honor Pope Francis’ memory, all parishes and institutions within the diocese will hold novena Masses from April 22 to April 30, with Psalm 130 (De Profundis) and special liturgical prayers prepared by the Diocesan Ministry for Liturgical Affairs.
As a symbolic gesture of unity and sorrow, church bells will toll every evening at 7:00 PM during the novena, inviting the faithful to pause in silent prayer. Parishes and religious houses are encouraged to display a framed photo of the late pope, and both the Philippine and Vatican flags will be flown at half-mast throughout the mourning period.
Religious communities and lay organizations have also been invited to issue their own guidelines to help their members participate meaningfully in this time of remembrance.
Concluding his message with hope, Ayuban said: “Like Mary Magdalene, he clung to the hope of Easter—a hope that is now fulfilled. His love for the Risen Christ has brought him home.”
Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio on December 17, 1936, in Buenos Aires, Argentina, was the 266th pope of the Roman Catholic Church and the first Jesuit and Latin American to ascend to the papacy. Elected on March 13, 2013, following the resignation of Pope Benedict XVI, he served as pope for more than 12 years until his passing at the age of 88.
His pontificate was marked by a deep commitment to mercy, social justice, interreligious dialogue, and care for the environment, especially through his landmark encyclical Laudato Si’.
The Diocese of Cubao stands in gratitude for his life and legacy—a humble servant who truly walked with his people.
Radio Veritas Asia (RVA), a media platform of the Catholic Church, aims to share Christ. RVA started in 1969 as a continental Catholic radio station to serve Asian countries in their respective local language, thus earning the tag “the Voice of Asian Christianity.” Responding to the emerging context, RVA embraced media platforms to connect with the global Asian audience via its 21 language websites and various social media platforms.
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