The Philippines began a period of national mourning for Pope Francis on Wednesday, with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr ordering flags on all state buildings across the staunchly Roman Catholic country to fly at half-mast to honour the pontiff.

In the Philippines, through a visit, episcopal appointments, and devotional actions among others, the pontiff set the tone for the hierarchy and laity to be more missionary, merciful, and synodal. These numbers help tell the story of a Pope and his flock in a nation known as the cradle of Christianity in the Far East and the world’s third largest predominantly Catholic country after Brazil and Mexico.

Chambon estimates that there are about 200 cardinals in the world at present, but only those aged 80 or younger will be cardinal electors and actually vote for the new Pope.