Workers start repair on Manila Cathedral dome for pope visit

Repair work has started on the dome of the historic Manila Cathedral in preparation for Pope Francis' visit in January, the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines said.

The CBCP news site featured a photo of workers involved in the repair work on the cathedral, which underwent two years of extensive repair and was reopened only last April.

"The cathedral is expected to be one of the possible destinations that the pope will visit in January 2015," it said.

Pope Francis is to visit the Philippines from Jan. 15 to 19.

While his official schedule is expected to be finalized in November, his itinerary is expected to include areas hit by calamities such as super Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan).

In 2012, the cathedral was closed for major renovation to ensure its stability.

The renovation stemmed from tests that suggested a possible collapse of the cathedral should a strong quake hit Manila.

Manila Cathedral was built in 1581 and has been rebuilt after being hit by fire, earthquakes, typhoons and bombings during World War II. — Joel Locsin /LBG, GMA News