by: ACT Teachers Rep. France Castro
GWP Rep. Arlene Brosas
Kabataan Rep. Raoul Manuel
We in the Makabayan bloc express our deepest condolences to the global Catholic community and to all peoples of faith and conscience on the passing of Pope Francis, a progressive spiritual leader whose papacy was marked by his tireless advocacy for the poor, the oppressed, and the marginalized.
Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio, inspired billions through his commitment to a Church grounded in mercy, social justice, and solidarity with the people. He was a voice for the voiceless—courageously standing against capitalist greed, environmental destruction, and the exploitation of labor, migrants, and indigenous peoples.
“Pope Francis was not only the head of the Catholic Church but also a moral compass in our troubled times,” said Rep. Arlene Brosas of Gabriela Women’s Party. “He reminded the world that true faith must be lived through service to the oppressed and the defense of human dignity.”
Sa kanyang panunungkulan, hindi siya natakot manindigan sa panig ng mga inaapi. Paulit-ulit niyang binalaan ang mga makapangyarihan laban sa idolatrya ng pera at kasakiman, at itinaguyod niya ang kapakanan ng mga manggagawa, migrante, kabataan, at mga inang nilalabanan ang karahasan sa lipunan.
Pope Francis challenged the Church to be more inclusive and compassionate, famously declaring, “If someone is gay and is searching for the Lord and has good will, then who am I to judge him?” His words and actions gave hope to many who had long felt excluded by religious institutions.
“He was a radical for love and justice,” said Rep. France Castro of ACT Teachers Party-list. “His calls for systemic change—whether in the economy, environmental policy, or the Church—resonated with the struggles of teachers, workers, farmers, and the poor.”
Under his leadership, the Vatican took unprecedented steps to address climate change, acknowledge historical wrongs, and open dialogue with movements for justice across the globe. His encyclical *Laudato Si’* remains a powerful call to protect our common home and resist the commodification of nature.
“Pope Francis showed that genuine spirituality must go hand-in-hand with political courage,” said Rep. Raoul Manuel of Kabataan Party-list. “He reminded us that defending human rights, speaking truth to power, and caring for the poor are not only political acts—they are moral imperatives.”
Makabayan recognizes Pope Francis as a progressive ally in the global fight against injustice. While he was not without critics, especially from reactionary and conservative circles, he remained steadfast in his mission to make the Church a Church of the poor, for the poor.
Ang kanyang pagpili na mailibing sa Santa Maria Maggiore basilica sa halip na sa St. Peter’s Basilica ay sumasalamin sa kanyang kababaang-loob at matapat na paglilingkod—isang pastol na tunay na nasa piling ng kanyang kawan.
As we mourn his passing, we also celebrate a life that dared to challenge the status quo, uplift the oppressed, and preach not only the gospel of faith—but the gospel of justice.
We join peoples of all faiths and struggles in honoring the memory of Pope Francis. May his life continue to inspire us to build a more just, humane, and compassionate world.
“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be filled.” – Matthew 5:6
Paalam, Pope Francis. Salamat sa iyong pagkampi sa mga inaapi. #
