Pope Francis is departing for Rome on Monday morning, leaving behind a people with a message of mercy and compassion that a priest said should last "a lifetime."

Filipinos anticipated his arrival while hearing stories about the "people's pope" and they were not disappointed.

The pontiff charmed his way into the hearts of Pinoys when he reached out, gave random children hugs and kisses, waved to thousands lining up on streets, ate lunch with the poor, made strong statements against poverty and corruption, took selfies.

He made it hard for Filipinos to say goodbye.

"We know the pope francis will be back to Rome but his merciful and compassionate presence is forever etched in our minds and hearts for a lifetime," said Fr. Anton Pascual, one of those involved in organizing Pope Francis five-day visit.

Manila Archbishop Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle, in his message to the Pope after his mass at the Quirino Grandstand, committed the Filipino faithful to bringing "the light of Christ" where it is needed.

"We want to go with you to the shanties, to the prison cells, to hospitals, to the world of politics, finance, arts, the sciences, culture, education, and social communication. We will go to those worlds with you to bring the light of Christ," Tagle said.

Tagle in a news conference on Sunday said the Pope has been invited to attend the 51st Eucharistic Congress scheduled in January 2016 in Cebu.

"Maybe we can let him go home first to the Vatican and rest?" Tagle said laughing, when asked if the Pope was coming back to the Asia's only predominantly Catholic country.

Armed Forces ready

The Armed Forces of the Philippines has already made the proper arrangements in securing Pope Francis during his expected departure from the country on Monday.

The Pope will be leaving the country on board a Philippine Airlines flight to Rome at 10 a.m.

 

In a text message to GMA News Online on Sunday, AFP information chief Lt. Col. Harold Cabunoc said they will be ensuring the pope's safety just as they did during his arrival.

 

“The Armed Forces of the Philippines is ready to to support the PNP and other agencies that are involved in the security arrangements during the departure of the pope tomorrow,” Cabunoc said.

 

“We request the filipino people to extend the same gesture of love, respect and cooperation that we showed Pope Francis during his stay here,” he added.

 

Pope Francis was in the country since Thursday bringing his message of “mercy and compassion," particularly to the survivors of the super typhoon Yolanda and the less fortunate.

The Pope went to Leyte—held mass in Tacloban City and then met with the survivors in Palo town—on Saturday despite the threat of a tropical storm and heavy rains in the province. —NB, GMA News