Palace confirms Pope Francis’ visit on Jan. 15-19

Pope Francis. AP FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines – Malacañang on Tuesday confirmed that Pope Francis would be staying in the country from January 15 to 19, 2015.

“The government joins the Filipino people in welcoming the Vatican’s announcement confirming that His Holiness Pope Francis will make an Apostolic Visit to the Philippines on 15-19 January 2015,” Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. said in a statement.

Coloma, who is the Co-Chair for Information & Media of the Papal Visit Committee said Pope Francis’ visit would coincide with the 20^thanniversary of the celebration of World Youth Day in Manila that was presided over by now St. John Paul II.

“Filipinos will most certainly accord to Pope Francis the warmth of their hospitality and manifest the fervor of their faith as they welcome the first Pontiff from South America,” Coloma said.

The Secretary said President Benigno Aquino III already called on concerned government offices to help in the preparations and ensure that the visit would be a success.

“He has designated Executive Secretary Paquito N. Ochoa, Jr. as the government’s lead point person for this visit,” Coloma revealed.

Meanwhile, Manila Archbishop Luis Antonio Tagle on Tuesday said the itinerary of the Pope’s visit to the Philippines would be announced later this year.

He said the visit of the Pope would be in line of with the 20th year of the World Youth Day.

According to him, the theme of the Pope’s visit would be “mercy and compassion.”
 

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