Team DailyPedia
Millions of Filipinos have waited for Pope Francis’ arrival in Philippines yesterday. It was said that that Pope Francis arrived in Philippines a little bit early than expected time. Pope Francis arrived to a rapturous welcome in Manila late afternoon Thursday, January 15.
Pope Francis waved to the excited crowd and gave a warm smile as dignitaries and well-wishers led by President Benigno Aquino III greeted him. Hundreds of Filipinos were shouting “Mabuhay Papa Francis” (Long live Pope Francis).
Estimated of over a million were part of the fiesta like arrival greetings to Pope. He spent 30minutes in the airbase to see Filipinos greeted him before he rode the popemobile car with Manila Archbishop Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle.
Filipinos waiting on the streets cheered and took photos of the pontiff as he traveled the 22-kilometer stretch between the Villamor Airbase in Pasay City and the Papal Nunciature in Manila, the residence of the Vatican Ambassador to Manila, where Francis will be staying.
Filipinos are all hopefuls and want to at least have a chance to meet the Pope personally. Many said in an interview that Pope Francis will surely increase Filipinos faith in God. To many celebrities they said, it’s a blessings that Pope Francis visits Philippines.
40, 000 troops were deployed to ensure Pope’s security. Airports and some seaports are closed. There’s no work and classes in Metro Manila and in Leyte.
While writing this article, Pope Francis is having his courtesy call at the Malacanang palace where he delivered his speech focusing on how to inspire Filipinos’ faith in God that the Filipino values and culture will continue with integral human development. And Pope Francis cordially invoke abundant blessings to be upon in the Philippines.
Here’s Pope Francis’ speech at Malacanang today, January 15, 2015. (Video credits to Rappler.)
