From cardboard cutouts of Pope Francis in churches to slogans such as “Love ko Pope” lining the streets, preparations for the Holy Father’s visit to the Philippines have been underway for the last few months. But now the time has come.
The last time a pope visited the country was in 1995 when Pope St John Paul II saw five million people gather for Mass in Rizal Park. With thousands of people taking to the streets to welcome Pope Francis and 80 per cent of the population Catholic, it will come as no surprise if the predicted figure for Sunday’s Mass attendance – about six million – becomes a reality.
For those who have watched him on television and dreamed of visiting Rome one day, the Pope’s presence will feel like a personal gesture of love and commitment to them.
In a country rife with corruption and poverty, Francis’s frank approach and affable manner is appealing to Filipino Catholics. Much like Cardinal Tagle, Pope Francis epitomises a new era within the Church for Filipinos: one where its flock feels tended to by its shepherd. The Pope’s visit to the Philippines reinforces this idea – that the Church really is the people of God.
Having been unable to sell in churches for well over a year due to the pandemic, we are now inviting readers to support the Herald by investing in our future. We have been a bold and influential voice in the church since 1888, standing up for traditional Catholic culture and values.
Please join us on our 130 year mission by supporting us. We are raising £250,000 to safeguard the Herald as a world-leading voice in Catholic journalism and teaching. For more information from our chairman on contributing to the Herald Patron's Fund, click here
Make a Donation
Processing ...
Donors giving £500 or more will automatically become sponsor patrons of the Herald. This includes two complimentary print/digital gift subscriptions, invitations to Patron events, pilgrimages and dinners, and 6 gift subscriptions sent to priests, seminaries, Catholic schools, religious care homes and prison and university chaplaincies. Click here for more information on becoming a Patron Sponsor. Click here for more information about contributing to the Herald Patron's Fund