MANILA, April 21 -- President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. led the nation in mourning the death of Pope Francis on Monday, delivering a deeply personal tribute to the late pontiff, whom he described as "the best Pope" in his lifetime.

"Ibang klase si Pope Francis (Pope Francis was something else). That's really sad. I love this Pope. The best Pope in my lifetime as far as I'm concerned," Marcos said on the sidelines of a meeting in Malacanang, as quoted in a Palace news release.

His remark came just hours after the Vatican confirmed that the 88-year-old pontiff has died.

Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Argentina, led the Catholic Church for 12 years and was widely admired for his humility, progressive views, and deep concern for...