Officially the first full day of Pope Francis in the Philippines, January 16, 2015 proved to be a busy day for the pontiff.
On his second day in the country, Pope Francis had a courtesy call with President Benigno Aquino III at the Malacanan Palace, held a Holy Mass with Philippine Catholic Chuch heads at the Manila Cathedral, and met up with several families at the Mall of Asia Arena in Manila.
Since he is considered a visiting head of state of Vatican, Pope Francis was welcomed by a smiling Pres. Aquino at the Palace. It was their second meeting in the country after the Catholic Church leader arrived at the Villamor Airbase on Thursday night.
PHOTO CREDIT: Time
He was even asked to sign Malacanan’s official guestbook.
He wrote: “On the President and people of this beloved land of the Philippines, I ask Almighty God abundant blessings of wisdom, discernment, prosperity and peace.”
PHOTO CREDIT: Rappler
After Pope Francis was presented to officials and diplomats at the Rizal Ceremonial Hall of the Presidential Palace, Pope Francis listened to PNoy’s speech.
PHOTO CREDIT: Interaksyon
The two head of states also exchanged gifts. Aquino presented the pontiff with a sculpture of Mary, Undoer of Knots and two commemorative coins with Pope Francis’ image. Meanwhile, PNoy received an Atlas of the Vatican from the pope.
Pope Francis then celebrated a mass at the Manila Cathedral together with local Catholic leaders.
In his homily, one of the most remarkable lines Pope Francis stated was: “Only by becoming poor ourselves, by stripping away our complacency, will we be able to identify with the least of our brothers and sisters.”
PHOTO CREDIT: Philstar
The Pope had an opportunity to meet with street kids under the custody of Tulay ng Kabataan after the mass. The kids even gave small gifts to the pontiff.
PHOTO CREDIT: Philstar
At the Mall of Asia Arena, Pope Francis had an “Encounter with Families” facing poverty, disability and migration challenges.
He blessed the sick, elderlies and PWD’s inside the arena.
PHOTO CREDIT: Philstar
In case you missed his first day in the country, you might want to check out our previous post.
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