This week Pope Francis will set foot on Philippine soil. His pastoral visit is the fourth time our country will be graced by the presence of the Successor of Peter.
In 1970 Blessed Pope Paul VI included the Philippines in his apostolic pilgrimage to Asia and Oceania. Saint Pope John Paul II came to the Philippines twice — in 1981 and in 1995 for the World Youth Day. Twenty years later, we welcome Pope Francis.
Every papal visit is unique, bearing the influence of the unique personalities of the popes and the changing circumstances in the country, the Church and the world.
Preparing the nation
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Love for Jesus
This love for Jesus made Peter a shepherd with the mission of feeding and tending the sheep of Jesus. We will see Pope Francis’ love for Jesus in his pastoral charity towards us.
Finally, Pope Francis comes to us as one like us, or in his own words “as a regular human being,” a sinner who has experienced God’s mercy. His simple words and gestures will make Jesus and the Church more accessible to Filipinos.
We await the Successor of Peter: a brother, a father and a friend. The Filipino people are filled with joy.
