MANILA — Messages of love and gratitude continue to pour in for the late Pope Francis, just a day before his funeral rites at the Vatican.
Outside St. Peter’s Parish in Quezon City, a massive tarpaulin bearing the gentle face of the pontiff has become a living canvas.
Covered in handwritten notes, scribbles, and prayers, it has somewhat become a shrine put together from those whose lives he touched even without even meeting them.
Among those at the parish was Norma Fuentes, sitting quietly before the tarpaulin, her eyes fixed on the Pope’s face and her hands resting on her cane.
She shared with ABS-CBN that she could neither read nor write—but she believes her message will still reach him, somehow, through prayer.
“Parang magulang ko na siya,” she said softly. “Kasi mapagmahal siya sa mga tao, lalo na sa mga mahihirap tulad ko. Sana maging maganda ang lagay niya doon.”
(He’s like a parent to me. He loved people—especially the poor like me. I hope he is in a good place now.)
Her voice echoed the sentiments of many. Scrawled across the tarpaulin were deeply personal tributes; reminders that Pope Francis was more than a religious figure. He immediately become family and friend to countless Filipinos when he visited the country a decade ago.
“That very moment sparked the beginning of my religious journey,” read one message.
“I was only six years old, curious and full of wonder. Little did I know you would become one of the reasons why I am here today, in this very parish.”
“Thank you, Lolo Kiko,” another wrote.
“I am one of those blessed to see you when you visited the Philippines. Please guide and pray for humanity.”
It was Pope Francis’ humility, kindness, and sincere love for the poor that resonated so deeply—especially with the youth.
“Pope, because of you I want to be a person with a heart that is full of love. Thank you,” read one heartfelt note.
In Marikina City, the tribute took on a different form. Self-taught sculptor Rolando Magboo, created realistic busts of Pope Francis with remarkable speed and precision. Though commissioned, each piece felt like a prayer in itself.
“Lahat ng meron ako, galing sa Kaniya,” he said.
“Lahat ng nalalaman natin, galing sa Panginoon yun. Kaya importante na pahalagahan at ingatan.”
(Everything I have came from Him. Everything we know comes from the Lord. That’s why it’s important to treasure and protect it.)
Though he never met the Pope, Magboo feels deeply seen by him.
“Hindi niya tayo pupuntahan sa Pilipinas kung hindi tayo mahalaga, Nakakabilib, nakakaiyak din. Nakatatak na siya sa isip ng mga tao,” Magboo shared.
(He wouldn’t have come to the Philippines if we weren’t important. It’s awe-inspiring. It makes you cry. He is etched forever in our memories.)
As the world prepares to lay Pope Francis to rest, Filipinos all know too well that with grief, there is also gratitude for a man who led with compassion, lived with simplicity, and loved without borders.
His voice may now forever be quiet, but in every prayer whispered, every art piece sculpted, every note scribbled in shaky handwriting, one thing remains clear: Pope Francis lives on not in stone or ceremony, but in the hearts of the people he never stopped loving.