Pope Francis inspires Ilongga community leader to continue advocacy (2025)

ILOILO CITY — Sonia Cadornigara, regional coordinator of the Homeless People’s Federation of the Philippines, Inc. (HPFI) for Iloilo City, said she would forever cherish the rare privilege of embracing Pope Francis — and meeting him not just once, but twice.

Cadornigara was among 40 selected community leaders worldwide who met the pontiff during the Global Meeting of Popular Leaders held Oct. 27 to 29, 2014, a little over a year after his papal election.

In an interview on Wednesday, Cadornigara said Pope Francis, a known advocate for land, housing, and fair labor, reached out to grassroots leaders after assuming his role as the head of the Catholic Church.

The Vatican contacted her through the Slum Dwellers International (SDI) secretariat. HPFI is affiliated with SDI, a network with membership in 33 countries.

“It is related to our work. He looked for us after he was elected pope,” Cadornigara said in Hiligaynon.

Two representatives from the Philippines joined the group of 40 leaders in Rome, where they met the Holy Father for nearly half a day on the final day of the gathering.

“You could really feel his aura the moment he entered the room. It felt like he was radiating,” she recalled.

After the meeting, participants were asked to line up to shake the pope’s hand. Cadornigara, overcome with emotion even before her turn, cried during the encounter.

She said she could not explain how she felt when Pope Francis looked into her eyes. When she told him she was from the Philippines, he acknowledged her by squeezing her hand. Despite strict protocols, she ended up hugging him.

“He gave us a rosary. It was an intimate encounter because we were only around 40,” she said.

Cadornigara’s second encounter with the pope came in 2015, during a larger gathering of around 200 international delegates. This time, she touched his vestment as he shook hands with the group.

She said both meetings deeply inspired her, especially because of the pope’s empathy for the poor and marginalized.

“He told us to continue because he knew our struggles, our hardships. He affirmed that he knew what we felt and would continue to pray for us to achieve our goals in housing, land, and labor,” she said.

The experience also strengthened her faith in God.

“I may forget the years and dates, but I will never forget the encounter with him. It renewed my inspiration to serve,” she said, admitting that she often felt frustrated as a community leader.

Cadornigara cried silently upon learning of Pope Francis’ death. Like many around the world, she said she would watch his interment.

Her photo with the pope, printed on canvas the size of a 40-inch television, will be displayed in her home — a keepsake for her grandchildren and future generations.

“It will serve as a reminder that once upon a time, their grandmother held the hand of a pope and listened to his message — a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” she said.