Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Manila (Agenzia Fides) - "It will be a journey of compassion, even the official theme chosen, 'Mercy and compassion', explains it. The Pope is in the Philippines and will give a testimony of closeness and compassion towards the last, towards those who suffer and towards the disadvantaged, especially those affected by Typhoon Yolanda": says to Agenzia Fides Fr. Socrates Mesiona, National Director of the Pontifical Mission Societies (PMS) in the Philippines, on the day when Pope Francis arrives in Manila for the second part of his apostolic journey in Asia (January 13 to 19), after the three days spent in Sri Lanka.
"The Philippine population is very happy, there is great expectation. In Metro Manila institutions have declared four days of vacation until Monday. All offices and schools are closed to allow people to live the days of the Pope's visit with serenity", says the Director of the PMS.
The main themes of the trip will be "the consolation of the victims of the typhoon and the poor, since the Church is living 2015 as the 'Year of the Poor'. The Pope will surely stress the importance of dialogue with the Muslims in the southern Philippines, an emphasis on respect for creation and on ecological issues, a complaint of the corruption", said Fr. Mesiona. "The reference to families and young people, who are the future of our Church will also be very important", he says. "The Filipino people - he concludes - feels privileged for this gift, for the encounter with Francis, and will live the Pope's presence as an opportunity to strengthen their faith and their witness to the Gospel". (PA) (Agenzia Fides 15/01/2015)
