Photo credit: Instagram by my Goddaughter,
Nicole
During Pope Francis' first visit to the Philippines last week, I learnt to admire this man through his action and his words. I am Roman Catholic and the Pope is the Head of our Church with its headquarters at the Vatican City in Rome. Pope Francis is God's representative here on Earth, head of the Roman Catholic Church, Vicar of Christ and also Bishop of Rome. His State visit to the Philippines carried the theme of Mercy and Compassion because he wanted to meet the Filipinos in Manila and to visit last year's super typhoon Yolanda survivors in Leyte, Southern Philippines.
When Pope Francis arrived in Manila to start his State Visit, he was greeted like a rock star by thousands of Filipinos who waited for hours along the streets. The Philippines is the only Catholic country in Asia. The country is composed of at least 85% Catholics. So it was not surprising that the Filipinos gave the Pope a massive, friendly and loving welcome in the country. Watching all these on TV, I admire Pope Francis now because he never wavered from his mission of representing God and Jesus here on Earth, he is very simple, down to earth and despite rain or shine he was out there to be with the people. In this time of trouble, terrorism and all negative things around us, we are blessed to have Pope Francis who is a symbol of God's goodness, mercy and love here in Earth. I hope we will never forget that regardless of our different religions.
Some of you lost part of your families, all I can do is keep silent, and I walk with you all, with my silent heart. - Pope Francis to the crowd in Leyte.
During his trip to Leyte, Southern Philippines, he was greeted by thousands of people and by an incoming typhoon. It was pouring rain when he arrived with his entourage. The typhoon did not scare or stopped him. The Pope wore the same rain poncho as the rest of the crowd showing that he is one with the people. He continued to celebrate the outdoor mass at the airport despite the rain and strong winds. The Pope told the people that when he saw the super typhoon Yolanda last year from Rome, he felt that he had to be here to visit the survivors. If you remember, super typhoon Yolanda devastated the island last year with massive floods that destroyed villages and killed almost seven thousand people. Unfortunately, his day visit to Leyte was cut short because of the typhoon. But the Pope still completed all of his commitments there through a shorter visit.
The Pope delivered a very emotional speech in Spanish to the people of Leyte.
After the mass at the Manila Cathedral, the Pope broke protocol by exiting at the side entrance of the Cathedral to cross the street to place a surprise visit to this Shelter for Street children. This surprise visit to the poorest of the poor in Manila, was very touching to everyone especially giving joy and love to these abandoned and street children. Pope Francis is known to serve the Poor.
Here are some advise from Pope Francis to families:
The mass at the Luneta Park in Manila was attended by almost 7 million Filipinos, a record in the whole World.
Pope Francis asked us to pray for him.
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