Marcoses attend Pope Francis funeral in Rome

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos arrived in Rome on Friday, April 25, 2025, to attend the funeral of Pope Francis scheduled for April 26.

Before their departure on Thursday, April 23, President Marcos appointed Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla, and Agrarian Reform Secretary Conrado Estrella III as government caretakers.

The First Couple visited Piazza Navona, reminiscing about their wedding which took place in Italy.

The First Lady described Pope Francis as humble and kind, stating, "Me, when I met him, he was humble and kind, and you'll feel you're blessed by God," adding that meeting the Pope was a blessing she would always carry in her heart.

Filipinos joined tens of thousands of mourners at the Vatican for a final viewing of the Pope's open coffin.

More than 50 heads of state and 10 monarchs are expected to attend the funeral, along with approximately 200,000 mourners.

Pope Francis died at 81 years old on April 21 after suffering from a stroke and cardiac arrest.