Philippine Cardinal Jaime Sin (76) died early this morning after a long illness.
Cardinal Sin pictured in 2003
A driving force behind popular revolts that unseated two presidents, the cardinal had been in intensive care for two days with an infection related to a long-standing kidney problem.
Sin, an ethnic Chinese, rose to global prominence in 1986 when he rallied a million people to form human barricades on Manila's main highway and protect a band of 300 army rebels against advancing tanks loyal to dictator Ferdinand Marcos.
He was once called "the divine commander in chief" by former president Fidel Ramos for his ability to organise massive demonstrations.
"History will mark this day of sadness when a great liberator of the Filipino people and a champion of God passed away," President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo said in a statement.
The main Roman Catholic radio station played hymns to mourn Cardinal Sin, who retired as archbishop of Manila in 2003.
His successor, Archbishop Gaudencio Rosales, presided over a wake at Manila Cathedral, swinging incense over Sin's body and leading a packed congregation in prayer.