MANILA, Philippines - Welcome greetings poured on social media as Pope Francis arrived at the Villamor Air Base on Thursday.
Filipinos are "feeling blessed" that the Roman Pontiff visited the Philippines.
Some netizens may not have been present to personally witness his arrival but most of them expressed their greetings for the pope.
"Welcome to the Philippines Pope Francis" was the top worldwide trend in Twitter on Thursday evening.
Most of the netizens prayed for the Pope's safety as he starts his five-day state and apostolic visit in the country.
Welcome to the Philippines, Pope Francis! That smile tho pic.twitter.com/UfxZdIJqQZ
— Rachelle Mae Tamse (@lovesbabytom) January 15, 2015
Super Blessed His Smile makes me cry! Welcome to the Philippines Pope Francis pic.twitter.com/TGovrHd0GH
— Kathleen (@kathskieebieber) January 15, 2015
feeling very blessed having Pope Francis in our country. he, who wears the cutest smile. Welcome to the Philippines Pope Francis.
— jasmine mercado (@JUSTMINE___) January 15, 2015
"@BobOngWords: That feeling you get… #PopeInPH pic.twitter.com/kh5w1BXwnV" Welcome to the Philippines Pope Francis
— Richelle Nicdao (@risyelnicdao) January 15, 2015
Welcome to the Philippines Pope Francis.
— Bob Ong Quotes (@BobOngPhrases) January 15, 2015
"LOLO KIKO" Welcome to the Philippines Pope Francis
— Gi An (@imkhianizer) January 15, 2015 Some were lucky enough to catch a glimpse of the Pope among the crowd.
This is the most decent photo that I got. Welcome to the Philippines Pope Francis!!! pic.twitter.com/czosN9Esc8
— Iris Chuatoco (@irischuatoco) January 15, 2015
Villamor Air Base pic.twitter.com/Piiugb8rlK
— Anne (@dnnedlp) January 15, 2015 Local celebrities and politicians alike also expressed their opinions regarding the Pope's arrival.
On a side note, what a rockstar this @Pontifex
— Jake Ejercito (@unoemilio) January 15, 2015 The well-loved Pope :) Hope you felt how much we love you! There's more to come!Welcome to the Philippines @Pontifex! pic.twitter.com/xYV4VycT1R
— Gretchen Ho (@gretchenho) January 15, 2015 Blessed by seeing smiling happy Filipinos showing so much love and gratitude to Pope Francis. I hope we've put a smile in his heart too
— GARY VALENCIANO (@GaryValenciano1) January 15, 2015 Welcome to our beloved country, beloved Pope Francis!
— Kiko Pangilinan (@kikopangilinan) January 15, 2015 His Holiness Pope Francis' arrival fills every Filipino with a sense of goodwill and unity. #PopeFrancisPH
— Jejomar C. Binay (@VPJojoBinay) January 15, 2015 Pope Francis had a very nice smile on his face as he got off his plane, greeted the crowd & embraced the 2 kids that welcomed him. #touching
— Chiz Escudero (@SayChiz) January 15, 2015 'I am so glued to the TV watching the convoy of Pope Francis. The Filipinos are so well behaved. Very proud of the Filipinos!' Comment on FB
— Jim (@Jimparedes) January 15, 2015