On street corners, in malls, on public transport, it’s impossible not to feel the presence of the Pope.
Giant billboards with an official red and blue “pope logo” adorn many of Manila’s buildings, while curbside vendors sell images of his smiling face on everything from stamps and towels, to fans and key chains.
Filipinos have been granted a national holiday for the visit, the coast guard has declared a no-sail zone within a mile of Manila Bay, many of the capital’s main roads will be closed, and Manila’s airport has limited its operations.
An estimated 40,000 security personnel will be deployed to keep the pope safe during his time in Manila and Leyte — where he will hold mass in Tacloban, a city still coming to terms with the devastation caused by Typhoon Haiyan a year ago.
Mercy and compassion
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“I don’t think the Pope will even hint to Filipino bishops and say: ‘Hey guys, soften up on this will you?’ Because this would not be in accord with the Catholic spirit and teachings. I am sure he will never agree to gay marriage either,” he said.
Peterson believes it’s about trust and being open to different interpretation.
“Don’t you trust your people enough to give them a choice? If I was solid in my faith and didn’t believe in divorce then I would not do it.,” she said.
“You can’t define a family from the dictionary. Does that mean if you grew up with just a father that it’s not family? That you were not taken care of, or protected or loved?”
