Pope Francis offers condolences to Filipinos on PNoy’s death

Pope Francis on Tuesday sent his condolences to the Filipino people on the passing of former President Benigno Aquino III.

"Saddened to learn the death of former President Benigno Simeon C. Aquino III. I extend my heartfelt condolences to the People of the Philippines," Pope Francis said in his letter addressed to President Rodrigo Duterte. His statement was shared  by the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP).

Pope Francis offers condolences for death of former President Benigno Aquino III #cbcpnews #PNoyRIP #PNoy pic.twitter.com/MZ4IN7wI6r

— CBCPNews (@cbcpnews) June 29, 2021

"Recalling the late President's service to the nation, I commend his soul into the hands of the all-merciful God. Upon his family and all who mourn in his passing I invoke abundant consolation and peace in the Lord," the Pope added.

The former Philippine leader succumbed to renal disease secondary to diabetes on June 24. He was 61.

He was laid to rest over the weekend near the tomb of his parents, democracy icons former Corazon Aquino and Benigno "Ninoy" Aquino Jr.

In January 2015, Pope Francis visited the Philippines and met with Aquino, who joined millions of Filipinos to witness the Pope's Mass in Quirino Grandstand. 

In December 2015, Aquino again met Pope Francis, this time at the Vatican, to discuss the peace process in Mindanao and climate crisis. — BM, GMA News