Independent senatorial candidate and former Senator Bam Aquino joined Catholics worldwide in paying tribute to the late Pope Francis, who was laid to rest at the Santa Maria Maggiore Basilica on Saturday.
In a statement, Bam reflected on the Holy Father’s lasting impact, praising his life of compassion, service, and humility. He shared that he was personally moved when Pope Francis, the first pontiff from South America, was elected.
“We continue to reflect on his life, on his service to the Church, and what it meant to the whole world,” Bam said.
“Hindi siya taga-Europa o Amerika — siya’y taga-South America na tulad nating mga Pilipino — nasa laylayan ng mundo,” he shared.
(He was not from Europe or America — he came from South America, just like us Filipinos — from the margins of the world.)
Bam highlighted Pope Francis’ unwavering dedication to the poor and the marginalized, saying he prioritized the needs of the less fortunate and constantly reminded the global community not to forget them.
“Sa pagtawag sa kanyang Pope Francis, ang mahihirap ang inuna niya, at sa mahigit na isang dekada niyang pamumuno – parati niyang paalala sa atin – huwag kalimutan ang mahihirap,” Bam said.
(When he chose the name Pope Francis, he placed the poor first, and throughout his more than a decade of leadership — he consistently reminded us — never forget the poor.)
For more than a decade, Bam said Pope Francis demonstrated his kindness by welcoming the sick, migrant workers, refugees, indigenous peoples, non-Catholics, and many others into the fold of the Church.
“He reached out to them, tao sa tao, puso sa puso” (person to person, heart to heart), Bam said, commending the Pope’s bold stands on global issues, from advocating for peace in war-torn areas, criticizing the spread of fake news and disinformation, to championing climate justice and the rights of indigenous communities.
“Sa kabila ng posisyon at kapangyarihan, tulad ni Kristo, namuhay si Pope Francis nang simple at malayo sa karangyaan — katulad nating lahat,” Bam said.
(Despite his position and power, like Christ, Pope Francis lived simply and stayed away from luxury — just like all of us.)
“Maraming salamat, Pope Francis. Patuloy kang magiging tanglaw at gabay sa aming lahat. Sisikapin naming isabuhay ang iyong mga halimbawa — ang mapagkalingang pamumuno at pagmamahal sa lahat, lalo na sa mga nasa laylayan,” he ended.
(Thank you very much, Pope Francis. You will continue to be a beacon and guide for all of us. We will strive to live out your examples — compassionate leadership and love for all, especially those on the margins.)
Bam had the opportunity to meet Pope Francis in a private audience at the Vatican in 2018. During his meeting with the pontiff, he asked the Holy Father to pray for the Philippines and poor Filipinos amid the challenges of injustice and suffering that the country is facing.
He also presented to Pope Francis letters from members of the Philippine clergy, such as Bro. Armin Luistro of the Purple Cross Movement.
Bam graduated from Ateneo de Manila University, which is run by the Jesuits. Pope was also a Jesuit before becoming a Cardinal.
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