Palace: Pope’s visit a grace from God

MANILA, Philippines - The arrival of Pope Francis in the country for a five-day apostolic journey is a grace from God where Filipinos can once again unite and prove to the world that the Philippines remains as Asia’s predominantly Catholic nation, a Palace official said yesterday.

“Pope Francis, the Vicar of Christ, brings to our nation the glad tidings of faith, hope and love. Mercy and compassion are essential elements of our caring and sharing ethos,” Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. said.

Coloma was among the Cabinet members who joined President Aquino in welcoming Pope Francis at Villamor Air Base in Pasay City last night.

The pope just came from a visit to Sri Lanka.

“In solidarity with the Filipino people, we extend to His Holiness Pope Francis our warmest welcome. Mabuhay!” Coloma said, noting that Manila is blessed to be visited by the pope.

The theme “Mercy and Compassion” are the “values that underpin our long-term development program for achieving inclusive growth – a lofty goal that President Aquino seeks to attain during his watch,” Coloma said.