Commemoration photo of Pope Francis in Westminster Cathedral in London, United Kingdom for the first Requiem Mass for his Holiness, after his passing. (Photo from Amy Balliao, Britanya Ngayon)
London, UK — Hundreds of faithful gathered at Westminster Cathedral for the first Requiem Mass for His Holiness Pope Francis, following news of his passing. Among those in attendance were members of the Filipino Catholic communities from FILCHAMP, Mill Hill, Wembley, and parishes across the United Kingdom, paying tribute to the spiritual leader who deeply touched their lives.
While sorrow and shock were palpable, many attendees expressed a quiet peace, knowing the Pope was no longer in pain.
One Filipino community leader shared how Pope Francis had inspired her to begin reading spiritual works through ebooks, particularly The Name of God is Mercy, which taught her lasting lessons on humility and compassion.
Cardinal Vincent Nichols, Archbishop of Westminster, led the homily with a reflection on the global grief and gratitude surrounding the Pope’s death. He referenced a tribute from His Majesty King Charles III and Queen Camilla, who spoke of their “heavy hearts” and praised the Pope’s “tireless commitment to the common causes of all people of faith.”
Cardinal Nichols, emphasised Pope Francis’ consistent advocacy for the marginalized, quoting his powerful words: “If you want to know how successful your economy is, go and speak with an unemployed person.”
And on injustice: “These are gaping wounds in the flesh of humanity, wounds in the flesh of Christ himself.”
The homily also focused on the themes that defined Pope Francis’ life and papacy — mercy and hope.
He encouraged the Church to walk beside the poor, the excluded, and the broken, always choosing grace over judgment.
The Mass concluded with a reminder of the Pope’s final message to the world — a call to be “Pilgrims of Hope”, the theme of this Jubilee Year, journeying together toward God’s eternal promise.
As the UK joins the global Catholic community in mourning, we also give thanks for the life of Pope Francis — a shepherd of mercy, humility, and unwavering faith.
