KAPATID Press Release | April 21, 2025
“Paalam at pagpupugay, Pope Francis”
KAPATID, the support group for political prisoners in the Philippines, deeply mourns the passing of Pope Francis on Easter Monday, April 21, 2025.
“It is deeply moving – and profoundly characteristic of his ministry – that Pope Francis spent one of his final public moments visiting those behind bars. Defying medical advice to rest following double pneumonia, he chose instead to be close to prisoners,” said Fides Lim, Kapatid spokesperson and wife of detained activist Vicente Ladlad.
On Holy Thursday, April 17, Pope Francis made a quiet, private visit to Rome’s Regina Coeli prison to personally greet around 70 inmates. Though he could no longer wash the feet of inmates, as he had traditionally done, he prayed with them and offered his blessing.
“Every year I like to do what Jesus did on Holy Thursday,” he told them. “This year I can’t do it, but I can and want to be close to you. I am praying for you and your families.”
“To us in KAPATID, and to the families of political prisoners in the Philippines, this gesture encapsulates the very heart of Pope Francis: A pastor who never turned away from the poor, the persecuted, and the imprisoned,” said Lim.
“We hope that Pope Francis’ death will not mark the end of the Church’s compassion and engagement with real-world issues. Under his leadership, we witnessed a Church that embraced the poor, that stood with the oppressed. We grieve his loss, but our hearts overflow with gratitude for his unwavering service and compassion, especially for those who are imprisoned not for crimes but for conscience,” said Lim.
“Kapatid hopes and prays that the next Pope and the entire Catholic Church will continue his twelve years of compassion, courage, openness, and reform. And to continue bringing the Church closer to the people and closer to the real struggles of our time: the plight of prisoners, the cries of migrants, the longing for peace in Palestine, and the enduring call for justice among the oppressed,” she stressed.
“His example must live on — not in memory alone, but in action, in solidarity, and in truth.”
Paalam, Pope Francis.
Sa iyong pamumuno, nasilayan namin ang Simbahang
Yakap ang dukha, karamay ng inaapi.
Sa iyong paglisan, kami’y nagdadalamhati,
Ngunit umaapaw ang aming puso sa pasasalamat—
Sa iyong wagas na paglilingkod at paglingap,
Lalo na para sa mga nasa likod ng rehas na bakal,
Hindi dahil sa kasalanan, kundi sa paninindigan.
Ang iyong pamana ay sulo sa aming landas
Habang patuloy naming ipinaglalaban
Ang kalayaan ng mga bilanggong pulitikal
At ng lahat ng pinagkakaitan
ng tinig,
ng hustisya,
ng liwanag.
Reference: KAPATID Media Desk
Mobile +63 962 844 3890
