Manila: Papal Nuncio to the Philippines Archbishop Charles Brown on Tuesday expressed gratitude to Filipinos for praying for Pope Francis during his hospitalization in the past months until his death on Monday. In his message at the conclusion of the Requiem Mass for the Holy Father that he concelebrated with Manila Archbishop Jose Cardinal Advincula at the Manila Cathedral, the Vatican's envoy acknowledged the support of Filipino faithful during the days the pontiff was in the hospital.

According to Philippines News Agency, Archbishop Brown addressed the congregation, thanking them for their prayers for the Holy Father, particularly over the last two months. He noted that during his Masses across the Philippines, especially in Manila, he had requested prayers for Pope Francis, and the faithful responded generously. Brown remarked on the Pope's recovery from a serious health incident two months prior, crediting the prayers from around the world, especially from the Filipinos, for aiding in the Pope's presence at St. Peter's Square on Easter Sunday.

He also expressed his gratitude to Cardinal Advincula for inviting him to participate in the Eucharistic Celebration. Brown praised Advincula's homily, which resonated with the sentiments of those mourning the loss of Pope Francis. Additionally, the Vatican official urged Filipinos to continue their prayers for the Pope's soul.

Pope Francis, originally Jorge Mario Bergoglio from Argentina, died at the age of 88 due to a stroke and irreversible heart failure. The Pope had previously visited the Philippines in 2015, celebrating a Mass in Tacloban City, an area heavily affected by Typhoon Haiyan in 2013.