One year later, crying girl at UST feels blessed by Pope’s embrace

The whole nation grew silent when Glyzelle Iris Palomar asked Pope Francis what he called "a question with no answer" during his visit to the University of Santo Tomas in January 2015.

Palomar, then 12 years old and a child who used to live on the streets, broke down in tears before the Pope as she tried to find some explanation for the suffering of children like her, who have done nothing wrong and yet are neglected by parents and sold as slaves.

"Bakit po pumapayag ang Diyos na may ganitong nangyayari?" Palomar asked as she began to weep. "At bakit kaunti lang ang mga taong tumutulong sa amin?"

In a commemorative video marking the anniversary of the Papal Visit, ANAK-Tnk executive director assistant Gloria Recio said that what happened was "very touching" and reminded people that they need to be more immersed in the plight of the poor in order to help them.

"To help the children recover their dignity, to be able to love again, Pope Francis became a great support. He told them: 'No you are not the last, you are the first. That's why I've come to you.' It had a huge impact, ask the children!" said director Rev. Fr. Matthieu Dauchez.

A year later, Palomar is remains under the care of Tulay ng Kabataan (ANAK-Tnk) and she said that she still treasures her encounter with Pope Francis.

"Ito po ay isang bagay na hindi ko makakalimutan: 'Yung pagyakap ko po kay Pope Francis, blessing po ito sa akin," she said

Jun Chura, who was also given the chance to talk to the Pope at the same event, continues to be overwhelmed with joy.

"Bihira lang po 'yung magbibigay ng regalo kay Pope Francis," Chura said with a smile.

— Aya Tantiangco/BM, GMA News