Thomasians recall the impact of Pope Francis in memorabilia exhibit (2025)

The exhibit at the University of Santo Tomas features Pope Francis memorabilia during his Manila visit in 2015

MANILA, Philippines – Students of the University of Santo Tomas (UST) also mourned the death of Pope Francis, aside from the administrators of this educational institution declared by the Vatican as “The Catholic University of the Philippines.”

Thomasians reminisced about the impact of the Pope on their student life as they visited the tribute since it was opened for public viewing on Wednesday, April 23.

Occupational therapy student Miguel Melitado said Pope Francis was a blessing who genuinely cared and loved Catholics.

“It is a blessing to have a Pope for the first time who genuinely cares about the people,” Melitado said. “He made you feel like you were genuinely part of the church, you are not punished for who you are, who you love, and what you believe in.”

He recalled that his family became emotional when they were notified about the death of the Pope, whom they call Lolo Kiko, since they became part of the audience at the Holy Mass in Quirino Grandstand.

“Naiyak kami ng nanay ko when we got the news, kasi ‘yung pamilya ko, except me, have visited the Pope in Quirino Grandstand, parang naging lolo na rin namin siya to some extent,” he added. (My mom and I cried after we got the news, because my family, except me, had visited the Pope in Quirino Grandstand, he’s like a grandfather to some extent.)

The UST exhibit also featured a book with blank pages for visitors to write messages to the Pope, on which Miguel wrote a personal and heartfelt message.

For journalism student Vince Pillagara, the exhibit was a “great way” to appreciate the pontiff’s life and “bring him closer to Thomasians.”

“Alam kong hindi lang nila [UST administration] ginawa ‘yun [exhibit] out of obligation to pay respect to the Pope, but feeling ko ginawa nila ‘yun to bring the Pope closer to Thomasians,” Pillagara shared. “Itong ginawa nilang exhibit para kay Pope, ay nagpapakita ng pasasalamat, pagmamahal, at pananalangin.”

(I know that they didn’t hold the exhibit out of obligation to pay respect to the Pope, but I feel it was held to bring the Pope close to Thomasians. This exhibit for the Pope showed thanksgiving, love, and prayer.)

The journalism student also explained that the exhibit’s memorabilia will become part of history since it was preserved by the UST Museum and Archivo de la Universidad de Santo Tomás.

However, history student Liana Ortega said that the exhibit should be more interactive, as UST has strong connections with the pontiff.

“Alam ko biglaan and may curatorial process pa yon, pero we could show a little bit more effort by showcasing more photos or videos nung dumalaw siya nung 2015,” Ortega said. (I know that it was sudden and there is a curatorial process, but we could show a little bit more effort by showcasing more photos or videos during his visit in 2015.)

A QR code redirecting to a video of the Pope’s visit to UST was placed near the guestbook, but for the History student, it was “not enough,” and students may not notice or even interact with it.

UST rector Father Richard Ang recalled that the pontiff’s encyclicals Laudato Si’, Fratelli Tutti, and Gaudete et Exsultate served as an inspiration to Thomasians.

“Marami siyang makabuluhang turo at alaala na ating babaunin at magsisilbing inspirasyon sa ating komunidad tulad ng Laudato Si’, Fratelli Tutti, and Gaudete et Exsultate,” Ang said in a statement on Wednesday. (He made significant teachings and memories that we will cherish and will serve as an inspiration like the Gaudete et Exsultate.)

The UST rector also appreciated the visit, which made a “lasting mark” among Filipinos and was a mirror of the Pope’s honest service in the Church.

“Nanatiling nakalarawan sa ating isip ang kaniyang matamis na ngiti sa bawat taong nakasalumuha niya, Kristiyano man o hindi,” the rector added. “Taos-puso tayong nagpapasalamat sa kaniyang tapat na paglilingkod sa Simbahan, sa pagmamahal at pag-aaruga na ipinadama niya sa atin, at sa pagbibigay niya ng pag-asa.”

(His smile in every person he met, Christian or not, will be ingrained in our minds. We sincerely thank his honest service in the Church, his love and care that he made us feel, and the hope he gave.)

Pope Francis died of a stroke and irreversible heart failure on Easter Monday, April 21. His body is lies in state at Saint Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City for public viewing. – Rappler.com