Manila, April 22 -- Papal Nuncio to the Philippines Archbishop Charles Brown on Tuesday expressed gratitude to Filipinos for praying for Pope Francis during his hospitalization in the past months until his death on Monday.

In his message at the conclusion of the Requiem Mass for the Holy Father that he concelebrated with Manila Archbishop Jose Cardinal Advincula at the Manila Cathedral, the Vatican's envoy acknowledged the support of Filipino faithful during the days the pontiff was in the hospital.

"Also, I want to thank all of you, the Filipino people, for the prayers for our Holy Father especially these last two months. In all the Masses that I have been celebrating all over the Philippines, especially [in] Manila, these past two mon...