Singer Darren Espanto honored the late Pope Francis in a heartfelt tribute on Instagram, remembering the rare opportunity he had to perform for the pontiff during his historic visit to the Philippines in 2015.
Espanto posted a video of himself singing “Tell the World of His Love” during the Encounter with the Youth ceremony held at the University of Santo Tomas, one of the most memorable events of the papal visit.
“10 years ago, I had the privilege of singing for Pope Francis during his visit to the Philippines. It was an honor to be chosen to sing for such a historical event. He’s made a huge impact on lives around the world. May he rest in peace,” the singer wrote.
Pope Francis passed away on April 21, 2025, at the age of 88, following a stroke that led to a coma and irreversible cardiocirculatory collapse.
The beloved leader of the Catholic Church made a lasting impression on Filipinos during his five-day apostolic visit in January 2015, held under the theme “Mercy and Compassion.”
His itinerary included a meeting with then-President Benigno Aquino III at Malacañang, an emotional mass with survivors of Typhoon Yolanda in Tacloban and Palo, Leyte, and a culminating Mass at the Quirino Grandstand in Rizal Park, which drew millions of faithful attendees.
