A priest on the papal flight for Pope Francis' upcoming visit to the Philippines said the country is anxiously awaiting the pontiff and is anticipating his paternal closeness with those who suffer.
“For us Filipinos, (the Pope) is really the representative of Jesus on earth, so it's like Jesus (is) coming to the Philippines,” Father Gregory Gaston told CNA Dec. 9.
Local faithful truly view the Pope “as a father, so it's like a father visiting his children,” he said. “The people will listen to him, the people will try to see him as much as they can and experience his message of mercy and compassion.”
Although Pope Francis will only be visiting “a specific island, he'll actually be visiting everyone, all those (who are) suffering,” the priest said. He noted how during certain meetings, people representing cities from all over the country will have the opportunity to meet and visit with the Pope.
“The theme of the visit is 'Mercy and Compassion,' so people will be experiencing and will try to experience this mercy of God, compassion of God, especially since many Filipinos are suffering in one way or another.”
He pointed out how the mayor of Manila, Joseph Estrada, declared a 5-day, non-working holiday for the duration of the Pope's visit due to safety and security concerns with the large number of pilgrims expected to come. The move has also been credited in part as being made in order to allow Catholics to participate in the papal activities.
The institution of the holiday, Fr. Gaston said, shows “how much we appreciate the Pope himself.” Although the holidays were primarily declared for logistical purposes, “it also shows how high our regard, our esteem for the Holy Father is.”
