For the last time, the Catholic faithful trooped to the Apostolic Nunciature in Manila early Sunday for one more glimpse of Pope Francis before he departs for Rome.

 

Among the crowd was a group that braved the rain and set itself out at the corner of Taft and Quirino Avenues, radio dzBB's Luisito Santos reported.

Humihilera na sa kanto ng P. Ocampo at Roxas blvd yung mga nais makasilay ng malapitan kay Pope Francis @dzbb pic.twitter.com/kvvFB0dLBT

— Luisito Santos (@luisitosantos03) January 18, 2015

 

Security was still tight, with a very visible police presence.

 

As of 3:30AM: Formation ng mga tauhan ng Manila Police District sa tapat ng Apostolic Nunciature. | @luisitosantos03 pic.twitter.com/GuOB1Tuh5p

— DZBB Super Radyo (@dzbb) January 18, 2015

 

Vendors were in the area as well, selling pope-related souvenirs.

 

The Pope is expected to take the route using Roxas Boulevard to Villamor Air Base, from where he will fly to Rome.

 

Enthusiastic crowds have surrounded the pope since he arrived last Thursday. On Sunday, the Vatican said that around seven million people attended Sunday's concluding Mass, the largest crowd ever for a papal event. — Joel Locsin/DVM, GMA News