Lolo Kiko made me proud to be Catholic

As the world mourned the passing of Pope Francis on Easter Monday last week and as tributes poured in, there was no doubt how much he was loved - a love so profound for the grandfatherly figure who had comforted the weary and lifted the downtrodden.

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He was especially loved by Filipinos who affectionately called him Lolo Kiko. All throughout his papacy, he lived and breathed Gospel values that speak straight to the Filipino soul: kababaang-loob (humility) and pakikisama (solidarity), as well as unwavering hope, unbridled compassion, and mercy.

But more important than our love for Lolo Kiko was the impact of his words and actions. It reminded the world, and especially us in the Philippines, of the tenderness and nearness of God's love.

Pope Francis was a beacon of hope for Catholics and non-Catholics alike.

His papacy had touched the lives of millions across religious and cultural divides. He proved to be more than just the leader of the Catholic Church; he was a global figure of compassion, humility, and justice.

In many of my columns on various topics, I made it a point to quote Pope Francis because I knew his words resonated not only with Catholics but with people of all faiths - and even those with none - inspiring a revitalized outlook on humanity's need for inclusion and care for the marginalized.