MANILA, Jan. 15, 2015 – More than an appointment to discuss highly political matters, the Holy Father’s arrival and welcome at the Malacañan will be a meeting during which Pope Francis hopes to get to know the country’s leader more on a personal level.
“[Pope Francis is] more attentive to the person rather than some particular political issues,” said Vatican spokesperson Fr. Federico Lombardi, SJ at a press briefing early tonight at the Papal Visit International Media Center located at the Diamond Hotel.
He said the Holy Father and Aquino will have “very short time together.”
According to Lombardi, the Pope prefers a personal encounter rather than to talk about other issues.
He added that Pope Francis will give his first message to the Filipino people after the arrival honors at the Presidential Palace and his brief encounter with the diplomatic corps, incidentally headed by the Apostolic Nuncio to the Philippines Giuseppe Pinto.
Lombardi called on the faithful to listen to the public speeches of His Holiness Pope Francis, noting that the first of which will be given tomorrow morning, Jan. 16 in Malacañan.
Pope Francis is also scheduled to deliver a message to the typhoon and earthquake victims when he flies to Tacloban City on Jan. 17.
On Sunday, Jan. 18, Pope Francis will address the Filipino youth at the Pontifical University of Sto. Tomas in Manila and preside over a concelebrated Mass at the Quirino Grandstand located in Rizal Park late afternoon.
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