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Pope Francis officially starts PHL visit with courtesy call on PNoy
(Updated 10:15 a.m.) Pope Francis officially started on Friday his state and apostolic visit to the Philippines at Malacañan Palace for a courtesy call on President Benigno Aquino III.
Pope Francis, the head of the Roman Catholic Church and of the Vatican City State, was welcomed by Aquino and his Cabinet at the Palace’s Kalayaan Grounds at 9:21 a.m., a few minutes behind schedule.
Bells at the nearby St. Jude Parish tolled as the Pope’s convoy approached the Palace. The Roman Catholic Church leader used a modest Volkswagen Touran to go Malacañang from the Apostolic Nunciature along Taft Avenue.
Bells at the nearby St. Jude Parish tolled as the Pope’s convoy approached the Palace. The Roman Catholic Church leader used a modest Volkswagen Touran to go Malacañang from the Apostolic Nunciature along Taft Avenue.
The Pope was given full military honors, including a 21-gun salute, upon his arrival. He earlier decided to waive the regular inspection of troops conducted by visiting heads of states, supposedly to downplay the military nature of the welcome ceremonies.
On his way to the Palace's Kalayaan Hall, the Holy Father blessed at least a dozen children who also handed out their letters to the pontiff.
The infants were carried to him, either by his security personnel or their parents, and the Pope kissed them. On the other hand, older children walked up to him and shook and kissed his hands.
Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima was seen bringing an infant to the Pope to receive the pontiff's blessings.
Palace employees cheered and waved Philippine and Vatican City flags as Aquino ushered the Pope to the Palace Main Lobby.
Upon entering Kalayaan Hall, the Pope was offered a hot towel and a glass of water to refresh him.
Pope Francis and President Aquino then proceeded to the Music Room where the former signed the guest book.
Third Pope in Malacañang
Third Pope in Malacañang
Pope Francis is the third Roman Catholic Church leader to set foot at the Malacañan Palace. The previous ones were Pope Paul VI in 1970, and Pope John Paul II in 1981 and 1995.
The 78-year-old Argentinian pontiff held a private meeting with President Aquino, who signed the Reproductive Health (RH) Law in 2012. This law, which was opposed local Roman Catholic Church leaders, provided government funding to purchase contraceptives.
Vatican spokesperson Fr. Federico Lombardi earlier said the meeting between the two leaders will be a “personal encounter” and will not tackle political issues.
Vatican spokesperson Fr. Federico Lombardi earlier said the meeting between the two leaders will be a “personal encounter” and will not tackle political issues.
Unlike other visiting heads of states, Pope Francis will also get the chance to meet civil authorities and members of the diplomatic corps during his hour-long stop in Malacañang.
Aquino and Pope Francis are also expected to deliver separate statements after their meeting.
The Philippines is the largest Roman Catholic nation in Asia and the third-largest in the world. More than 80 percent of the over 100 million Filipinos are Roman Catholics. — with Amita Legaspi/RSJ, GMA News
