Marcos leaves for Pope Francis' funeral, Araneta-Marcos accompanies

President Ferdinand 'Bongbong' Marcos Jr. and First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos are set to leave for Pope Francis' funeral in Vatican City, with Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin 'Boying' Remulla, and Agrarian Reform Secretary Conrado Estrella III taking charge as caretakers.

Vice President Sara Duterte was not chosen to oversee government operations during the president's absence, continuing a trend from previous instances when Marcos traveled abroad for official duties.

Pope Francis' funeral Mass is scheduled for 10 a.m. local time on Saturday, April 26, at St. Peter's Square in Vatican City, following three days of public viewing and prayers.

The Philippines, with its predominantly Catholic population, has been mourning the loss of Pope Francis, who was remembered as a champion of compassion and forgiveness during his papacy from 2015 to 2025.

Francis' visit to Tacloban in 2015 after Super Typhoon Yolanda struck left a lasting impression on Filipinos, highlighting the pope's commitment to supporting those affected by natural disasters.