Every day, thousands of Filipinos leave their homes to work overseas. Many of them do so with courage, faith, and an overwhelming desire to provide a better life for their families.
Whether working as domestic helpers in Hong Kong, nurses in Italy, construction workers in Saudi Arabia, or seafarers on ships across the globe, Filipino migrant workers carry not only the weight of their jobs but also the dreams of their loved ones back home.
In this challenging journey, many find inspiration and comfort in one unlikely but powerful figure: Pope Francis.
A Pope who understands migration
Pope Francis is the first pope from Latin America and a son of migrants himself. His Italian parents moved to Argentina searching for a better life, just like millions of Filipinos who now work abroad.
That personal connection with migrants shapes how he speaks about migration, not as a political issue, but as a deeply human experience filled with sacrifice and hope.
OFWs as “modern-day heroes” in the Pope’s eyes
The Pope has consistently praised migrant workers as the “new heroes of our time,” especially during the pandemic. He acknowledged that many OFWs continued to care for the elderly, clean hospitals, cook meals, and keep households running even while separated from their own families and at risk of illness.
In his Easter message in 2020, Pope Francis prayed especially for “doctors and nurses, particularly those who serve far from their own country.” Many of those were Filipinos in Italy, where thousands serve in healthcare sector.
Extending the Church’s hand from Rome to Riyadh
Pope Francis has pushed the Catholic Church to be a “field hospital”, a place that reaches out to those wounded by loneliness or poverty. That includes many OFWs who face homesickness and abuse.
Throughout his leadership, more Catholic missions and chaplaincies in countries like the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Hong Kong now provide Masses in Filipino, offer counselling, and celebrate Simbang Gabi and other Filipino traditions. These communities become a second home, spiritually and emotionally, for workers far from their families.
Defending the rights of migrant workers
Pope Francis doesn’t stop at offering comfort; he calls for action. He urges governments and employers to treat migrant workers fairly:
“It is unjust and inhumane to see workers as tools to be used and discarded. Every worker deserves respect, fair wages, and protection.”
This is especially important for Filipinos in domestic work, caregiving, or manual labour—sectors where abuse is more common. His voice adds weight to global campaigns that push for better contracts, days off, healthcare, and the right to be heard.
“You are not forgotten”
Perhaps the most moving part of Pope Francis’ message to Filipino migrant workers is this: You are not forgotten.
Even when you’re far away, even when no one sees your sacrifice, God sees it. The Church sees it. And you are deeply loved.
He reminds us that every balikbayan box, every call home, and every prayer offered in silence is a form of love that helps transforms the world.
A final farewell to the shepherd of the poor
With the passing of Pope Francis, the world loses a powerful voice for the voiceless and Filipino migrant workers lose a beloved shepherd who walked beside them from afar.
He who once stood on the shores of Lampedusa and wept for migrants lost at sea, he who embraced caregivers and cleaners and called them saints in silence, now rests in the peace of the God he served so faithfully.
Maraming salamat, Lolo Kiko. You reminded us that even the farthest Filipino — tired, homesick, and unseen — is loved beyond measure.
As you return home to the Father, may your legacy continue in the hearts of every overseas worker who, like you, lived with compassion, humility, and deep faith.
Rest in peace, Holy Father. Your journey is over but your voice will echo forever in the hearts of the poor you so tenderly loved.