Jesuit Communications (JesCom) joins the global Church in mourning the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis, the 266th successor of St. Peter and the first Jesuit pope in history. Fondly known by Filipinos as “Lolo Kiko,” Pope Francis died peacefully on Easter Monday, April 21, 2025, at 7:35 AM (Rome time). He was 88.
His final public appearance was just a day earlier, Easter Sunday, when he greeted the faithful at St. Peter’s Square with a wave and a message of peace—one last act of mercy from a pontiff who transformed the papacy with his humility, compassion, and strong commitment to the marginalized.
Elected pope on March 13, 2013, Jorge Mario Bergoglio of Argentina was the first Latin American, the first Jesuit, and the first to take the name “Francis,” inspired by the 13th-century saint known for his simplicity and love for the poor. Throughout his 12-year papacy, he remained true to this inspiration—calling for a synodal Church that is both poor and for the poor, and extending the arms of mercy to refugees, the outcast, the LGBTQ+ community, and those often left behind by oppressive structures.
For the Philippines, Pope Francis’ 2015 apostolic visit in the wake of Typhoon Yolanda was a defining moment of his closeness to the hearts of the Filipino people. Braving wind and rain in Tacloban, he stood in solidarity with victims of the country’s worst natural disaster. Wet from the rains and donning a yellow plastic poncho over his vestments, his presence brought healing and comfort, endearing him to millions who came to know him as Lolo Kiko.
Jescom, the media arm of the Philippine Province of the Society of Jesus, had the privilege of coordinating the local Church media coverage of Pope Francis’ historic visit. In celebration of this pastoral journey, JesCom produced the documentary Mabuhay Lolo Kiko and released Mercy and Compassion: Songs for Pope Francis, a commemorative album featuring music that captured the essence of his mission.
A deeply formed Jesuit, Pope Francis entered the Society of Jesus in 1958. He served as novice master, theologian, spiritual director, rector, and—in less than four years from his ordination—became provincial superior of the Jesuits in Argentina. Known for his contemplative spirit and courageous leadership, he brought Ignatian discernment to the global Church—challenging Catholics to listen to the Spirit and walk with the wounded.
Despite health challenges in his final years, Pope Francis remained steadfast. His encyclicals—Laudato Si, Fratelli Tutti, Lumen Fidei, and Dilexit Nos—stand as enduring testaments to his prophetic voice on care for creation, social friendship, and God’s infinite love.
JesCom joins the greater Jesuit community and the Filipino faithful in solemn prayer, giving thanks for a shepherd who truly lived the Gospel. Pope Francis now returns to the Father’s house, leaving behind a legacy of tenderness, truth, and transformative love.
Lolo Kiko, you have kept the faith. Maraming salamat po.
May you rest in God’s peace.
(AMDG)
“Mabuhay, Lolo Kiko!”
JesCom’s documentary captures and retells some of the most significant and poignant moments during Pope Francis’ 2015 pastoral visit to the Philippines. As seen through the eyes of the people who have patiently waited, lovingly prepared, and wholeheartedly participated in the events that unfolded in those four historical days.
Watch it here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ToyKVDr8JQE
Listen to Mercy and Compassion: Songs for Pope Francis:
https://open.spotify.com/album/73NiVsx0vG09WjJVeHNDmQ?si=jwPTbATLTJ-0ev8OBpJu9g&nd=1&dlsi=6f760922dd0445ce
Produced by the Jesuit Music Ministry (JMM) for the Papal Visit, the album made it to the Top 10 of the Original Pinoy Music (OPM) charts back in January 2015.
Mercy and Compassion: Songs for Pope Francis landed in the second spot of the OPM list and placed third in the overall best-selling album tally for the fourth week of January.
A copy of the album was presented to Pope Francis during a meeting with his Filipino Jesuit brothers on January 16, 2015.
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