G.A. Viray
In 2013, Pope Francis was named by Time Magazine as the “People’s Pope”. His charisma, his humility and his radical and spontaneous ways actually sets him apart from all the Popes of the Catholic church. Being the first Pope who isn’t from Europe, and being raised in a poor country, Jorge Mario Bergoglio easily won the hearts, not only of the Catholic masses, but of people from other religions as well.
Pope Francis has already left the country, but the Pope fever isn’t over yet. Aside from the wisdom he shared to our Catholic Pinoys, there are some light moments with him that are worth remembering. These moments that have put a smile on our face or that made us laugh as truly proof that indeed, Pope Francis is the People’s Pope. Just in case you missed them, we have made a list of the Top Ten Light Moments with Pope Francis in the Philippines:
1. The flying skull cap moment
As soon as the Pope arrived in the Philippines, the aura of his visit was set by this moment where his skull cap was blown by the strong winds of Manila. Of course, he just laughed about it. What a cool Pope the Catholic Church has!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f_4riON3cQM
2. The wind-blown regalia moment
The Pope’s regalia was blown many times: when the National Anthem was played, when he would deliver speeches, but of course, he just smiled about it.
3. The “Do you love me?” moment
Funny as he is, when the Pope was about to begin the homily at the Manila Cathedral, he asked a question similar to the mass’ gospel. “Do you love me?”, Pope Francis asked, his answer made the attendees laugh. Watch this video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EVD8fw4SVtc
4. The “Pray for me and be quiet” moment
When the Pope arrived in Tacloban, he apologized for his shortened trip due to the typhoon. Afterwards, he asked the people from Tacloban two things: one, to pray for him, and two, for the people to be quiet. It was all laughs after he said that.
5. The Pope in plastic poncho moment
Upon arriving in Tacloban, as the Pope was welcomed by strong winds and heavy rain, Pope Francis wore a yellow plastic poncho. It was said in GMA News that the Pope chose not to wear his own raincoat and wanted to use the one that was being given away to the people. And that’s why they call him the People’s Pope!
6. The skull cap exchange moment
Upon arriving in Villamor Airbase after a shortened trip from Leyte, the Pope was offered a new skull cap by one of the devotees waiting for him. The Pope first measured the new skull cap, then wore it and then gave his old skull cap in exchange for the new one.
7. The “Selfie with the Pope” moment
The Pope is also known for allowing people to take selfies with him. The first known selfie the Pope had in the Philippines was with a girl named Tricia Farnacio, who was on a wheelchair as she waited for the Pope disembark from his plane at Villamor Airbase.
8. The “group hug” moment
Not only did the Pope hold hands with the children during the Meeting with the Youth in UST, he also indulged in a group hug with them.
9. The children on the Pope’s lap moment
The Pope surprised street kids in Manila during his visit. This gesture did not just show how humble he is, but when he placed some of the children on his lap, we know the kids would have something to remember from the Pope.
10. The “I love you” hand sign moment with Cardinal Tagle
Have you ever seen a Pope doing cool hand signs? Pope Francis just did one when he was at the Meeting with the Families in MOA.
So, which is your favorite light moment with the Pope? Leave a comment below.
