The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines has conveyed its sympathy and condolences to the Aquino family on the death of former President Benigno Aquino III, reported CBCP News.

Archbishop Romulo Valles of Davao, CBCP President, highlighted the “mutual respect” that existed between Church and the Aquino government, “rooted in our unwavering faith in the Triune God, and our shared commitment to building a just, humane society, especially for those who are in need”.

“The bishops in the Philippines will remember President Aquino for his deep dedication to democracy, good governance, and the dignity of the human person,” Valles said.

The church leaders also recognized the role that the Aquino administration played in ensuring the success of some major Church events in the country.

The CBCP said these include the Canonization of Blessed Pedro Calungsod in 2012, the visit of Pope Francis in 2015, and the 51st International Eucharistic Congress in Cebu City in 2016.

“We commend his soul to our Heavenly Father, confident in His mercy and love,” Valles said.

“We offer our condolences and prayers to the Aquino family, the friends and colleagues of the former President, and the entire Filipino nation as we mourn the passing of President Aquino,” he added.

Newly installed Cardinal Jose Advincula of Manila and Papal Nuncio Archbishop Charles Brown on Friday paid their respects and gave their blessing to the remains of the former president at the Church of the Gesú in Ateneo de Manila University.

The Association of Major Religious Superiors in the Philippines (AMRSP) also paid tribute to the former president who died on June 24 of a lingering illness. He was 61 years old.

Its co-chairpersons, Fr. Cielito Almazan, OFM, and Sr. Marilyn Java, RC, said they will treasure their mutual esteem for one another, “borne out of our common goal of strengthening democracy and uplifting those in the fringes of Philippine society”.

“President Aquino often acknowledged the important contributions of consecrated men and women in keeping the flame of democracy alive, especially during the Martial Law period,” they said.

“We wish to unite our voices with the whole nation in mourning the passing away of former President Aquino,” they added.