Pope, Noy may discuss matters of state

MANILA, Philippines - Pope Francis might take up matters of state with President Aquino during a courtesy call at Malacañang on Jan. 16, Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. said yesterday.

“In a visit like this, where the head of state will be meeting with the President, then we could probably say it is entirely possible that they might take up matters of state,” Coloma said in a press briefing on the coming papal visit.

Aside from being head of the world’s more than one billion Catholics, Pope Francis is also the leader of a sovereign state, the Vatican.

“There is an opportunity for them to take up issues that are close to their hearts and I think that’s their own call, but at this point we don’t see ourselves drawing any scenario that might involve any political issues. We don’t see it that way, from where we sit,” he clarified.

He explained that it would be the pontiff who would likely dictate the topic of conversation with Aquino, and the discussion may touch on “common points of interest.”

Coloma recalled that during President Aquino’s trip to Busan, South Korea, the latter mentioned that he would listen to what Pope Francis would say, and that he would only give appropriate responses.

The courtesy call will last an hour and 45 minutes, from 9:15 a.m. to 11 a.m.

“The President usually decides on what he says to a visiting head of state on the basis of his own feelings and sentiments,” Coloma said.

While it has been the usual practice for the vice president to meet with a visiting head of state during the arrival honors, in the case of Pope Francis it would be President Aquino who would lead the welcoming party at the Villamor Air Base in Pasay City.

Coloma said there is no breach of protocol if the President decides to meet the 78-year-old pope at the air base as this is the first papal visit in 20 years.

In his five-day visit from Jan. 15 to 19, Pope Francis would be accompanied by a 30-man delegation including Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Prefect for the Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples Cardinal Fernando Filoni, Prefect for the Congregation of the Divine Worship and the Sacraments Cardinal Robert Sarah, and papal spokesman Fr. Federico Lombardi.

Coloma said the ambiance of the courtesy call would be festive but simple.

The playing of the national anthems and the hoisting of the flags of the Philippines and the Vatican would be part of the courtesy call.

The world-renowned bamboo orchestra Pangkat Kawayan will provide musical entertainment. The official courtesy call and presentation of gifts will follow at the Palace’s Music Room.

Members of President Aquino’s immediate family, including his sisters and their respective families, would also be introduced to the pope.

The two leaders will deliver their remarks at the Ceremonial Hall before senior government officials and members of the diplomatic corps. Representatives from both houses of Congress and the Cabinet would also be present.

When asked to identify the government officials who would get the chance to meet the pontiff, Malacañang said it has not yet drawn up the official list.

From Malacañang, Francis will proceed to the Manila Cathedral for his next appointment.  – With Eva Visperas