PBBM, FL off to Vatican for Pope's funeral

President Marcos and First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos were scheduled to leave Thursday night, April 24, to join other world leaders and the faithful at the funeral of Pope Francis at the Vatican's St. Peter's Basilica on Saturday, April 26.

- ARGYLL CYRUS GEDUCOS and JEL SANTOS

"Mamayang gabi po ang pag-alis ng First Couple (The First Couple will leave the country tonight). The funeral will be attended by the First Couple this Saturday, April 26," Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro announced on Thursday morning.

Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla, and Agrarian Secretary Conrado Estrella III would serve as government caretakers while the President is out of the country.

The Palace Press Officer, however, did not divulge information regarding who would act as caretaker while the President is away, if there were other activities for the President in Europe, or when the First Couple would return to Manila.

She also did not say who will be joining the First Couple on the trip to the Vatican.

"Hihingin ko na lamang yung detalye. Ito lamang ang ibinigay sa atin pansamantala (Again, I will just request the details. This is the only information we've been given for now)," Castro said.

"Pag binigay na po sa atin ng ahensya ng DFA ang detalye dito, ibibigay ko po sa inyo," Castro said. Once the Department of Foreign Affairs provides us the details, I will give them to you)," she added.

Castro likewise could not confirm if any of the President's local engagements this weekend will be canceled or postponed.

"Hindi ko po masasagot sa ngayon dahil hindi pa po ako nabibigyan ng detalye kung ano po yung kanilang magiging itinerary (I can't answer that for now because I haven't been given details of their itinerary)," she said.

Marcos described Francis as the best pope of his lifetime, saying the pontiff taught humanity to extend kindness and care to one another.

National mourning

Marcos has declared a period of national mourning over the death of Pope Francis.

Based on Proclamation No. 871, signed by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin on April 23, the mourning period will last until the Pope's burial.