UCA News
Contribute

Vatican releases itinerary for pope's trip to Philippines

Highlight will be lunch with survivors of Typhoon Haiyan
Vatican releases itinerary for pope's trip to Philippines
From left, Paquito Navarro Ochoa Jr., President Benigno Aquino's executive secretary, Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle of Manila, and Papal Nuncio Archbishop Giuseppe Pinto announce on Friday evening the official itinerary of Pope Francis during his Philippine visit in January (Photo by Joe Torres)
Published: November 15, 2014 02:40 AM GMT
Updated: November 14, 2014 03:47 PM GMT

The Vatican on Friday evening released the official itinerary of Pope Francis during his visit to the Philippines from January 15 to 19 next year.

"The expectation of the Filipino people calls to him and he will come," said Archbishop Giuseppe Pinto, papal nuncio to the Philippines.

One of the highlights of the pope's visit will be a lunch with survivors of Typhoon Haiyan in the town of Palo, Leyte province on January 17.

Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, archbishop of Manila, said the pope's visit and meetings with various groups will carry great meaning, especially for victims of the devastation brought about by the Typhoon Haiyan.

Pope Francis is expected to arrive in Manila from Sri Lanka, the first leg of his Asian trip, at about 5pm on January 15.

President Benigno Aquino will officially welcome the pontiff at Malacanang presidential palace in the morning on January 16. 

The pope will then meet with members of the diplomatic corps before proceeding to the Manila cathedral for a Mass.

Later in the day, Pope Francis will meet with Filipino families at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.

On January 17, the pontiff will leave Manila early in the morning for a visit to the province of Leyte, particularly the city of Tacloban and the town of Palo, which were devastated by Typhoon Haiyan.

He will have lunch with typhoon and earthquake survivors at the residence of Palo's archbishop before blessing the Pope Francis Center for the Poor also in Palo. 

He will then meet with priests and members of religious congregations at the Cathedral of Our Lord’s Transfiguration in the same town before flying back to Manila.

In the morning of January 18, Pope Francis will hold a meeting with religious leaders in Manila and the youth at the Pontifical University of Santo Tomas.

He will go on a motorcade and will hold a Mass in the country's Luneta national park in the afternoon of the same day.

Pope Francis will leave for Rome on January 19.

Archbishop Socrates Villegas, president of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines, called on the Filipino people "to extend a hearty and warm welcome to our pope”.

Help UCA News to be independent
Dear reader,
Lent is the season during which catechumens make their final preparations to be welcomed into the Church.
Each year during Lent, UCA News presents the stories of people who will join the Church in proclaiming that Jesus Christ is their Lord. The stories of how women and men who will be baptized came to believe in Christ are inspirations for all of us as we prepare to celebrate the Church's chief feast.
Help us with your donations to bring such stories of faith that make a difference in the Church and society.
A small contribution of US$5 will support us continue our mission…
William J. Grimm
Publisher
UCA News
Asian Bishops
Latest News
UCA News Catholic Dioceses in Asia
UCA News Catholic Dioceses in Asia
UCA News Catholic Dioceses in Asia