Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Manila (Fides Service) - Thousands of Catholics, mostly the poorest and most neglected citizens are flocking to the capital’s churches to pray for the Pope amidst anguished silence. Manila Cathedral has been crowded since the early hours of the morning with people imploring God to assist the fast ailing Pontiff.
“The people in church this morning are mainly the poorest of the poor, slum dwellers, the jobless” - a local church source told Fides. “The more wealthy citizens are in their hotels and villas and for the middle class this is an ordinary office day. The outcasts, the lonely, the abandoned, they have time for the Pope. In these hours they are the ones who are showing all their concern and love for the Holy Father. We know also that the bedridden at home are praying for the Pope”. In the cathedral many priests and men and women religious are immersed in prayers of adoration and petition. The Philippines is an Asian country with a Christian majority, 85% of the population professes the Catholic faith. (PA) (Agenzia Fides 1/4/2005 righe 14 parole 142)
