POPE FRANCIS did not rule over the faithful but humbly guided and served God alongside them during his 12-year tenure as head of the Catholic Church, the UST rector said.
In his homily during the University mass for the repose of the late pontiff, UST Rector Fr. Richard Ang, O.P. paid tribute to Francis’s way of leadership, describing it as “one of a kind.”
“Si Papa Francisco ay hindi namuno sa taas kung hindi lumakad siya nang kasama ang bawat Katoliko, isang pastol na tunay na naging ama ng simbahan at kaibigan ng lipunan,” Ang said on Friday, April 25 at the Santisimo Rosario Parish church.
(Pope Francis did not lead from above, but he walked alongside each Catholic devotee, a shepherd who became a true father of the Church and a friend of society.)
“Hindi niya hinagad ang kadakilakan ng mundo kung hindi ang kadakilakan na sinasabi sa ibanghelyo,” he added.
(He did not desire the grandeur of the world but the greatness of what is spoken in the Gospel…he sincerely served as the holy father for 12 years.)
The rector lauded the late pope’s teachings that were imparted on his papal documents. Citing Francis’ apostolic exhortation “Evangelii Gaudium,” Ang echoed its message that God never ceases to forgive, however, it is humans who tire in seeking his forgiveness.
“Huwag tayong mawawalan ng pag-aasa habang may buhay. Dahil habang may buhay, may darating na bagong pagkakataon at bagong umaga,” he said.
(Let us not lose hope because as long as there is life, a new opportunity and morning will come.)
The rector also referenced the pope’s encyclicals “Laudato Si” and “Fratelli Tutti,” wherein he encouraged people to love all of God’s creations and to treat each other as family because they are all children of Christ.
Ang added that peace could be achieved through dialogue and cordial discourse—solutions for issues plaguing households and the country.
“Maraming iniwan si Lolo Kiko na maituturing na angking yaman na patuloy na magsisilbing inspirasyon sa bawat isa,” the rector said.
(Grandpa Francis has left many [contributions] that can be considered as treasures and will continue to serve as an inspiration for everyone.)
Besides coming together to mourn the beloved pontiff’s death, the rector also urged devotees to honor the life of Pope Francis, reminding them to “take care of his legacy.”
“Ang ating pagsasama-sama ay selebrasyon ng kanyang pagkatao, ng kanyang buhay at maging paggugunita ng kanyang mga bilin,” he added.
(Our gathering is for the celebration of his character, his life and a recollection of his teachings.)
Shortly after he was discharged from the hospital for double pneumonia, Francis delivered an “Urbi et Orbi” blessing addressed to Rome and the world on Easter Sunday, April 20, his last public appearance before passing.
Ang commended the pope’s dedication “until the very end, despite his age and ailment.” He also recalled his experience during the pope’s visit to UST in 2015 as part of his five-day apostolic journey to the Philippines.
The rector highlighted the Argentine pope’s “unique presence and charisma” that was able to “illuminate” the hearts and souls of devotees present at the time.
Francis, the first Latin American and Jesuit pope, died of heart failure on April 21 at his residence in Casa Santa Marta, Vatican City.
A funeral mass for the 88-year-old pontiff is set on Saturday, April 26 at St. Peter’s Square in Rome, after which he will be laid to rest at the Basilica of St. Mary Major.
As the leader of the Catholic Church, Francis also served as an administrator of pontifical universities such as UST. The mass was part of the University’s activities in honor of the late pope. F
