Pope Francis pays courtesy call on Aquino

MANILA, Philippines - Pope Francis began his second day in the Philippines with a courtesy call on President Benigno Aquino III on Friday.

The pontiff left the Apostolic Nunciature around 8:53 a.m. and arrived at the Malacañang Palace around 9:20 a.m.

He traveled by a closed Volkswagen vehicle instead of the pope mobile.

Still, he did not disappoint the public as he let the window of his car open as he smilingly waved and blessed the crowds along the papal route.

The papal envoy progressed slowly as the pope took his time to greet the ecstatic Filipinos wishing to see him.

At the Palace grounds, Aquino greeted the pope as he alighted his vehicle. Government officials kissed and shooked the pontiff's hand while Malacañang employees and children waved flags of the Philippines and of the Vatican City.

The pope stopped several times to bless children, including one infant, and to kiss their foreheads.

Before signing the official guestbook of the Palace, the pope was given a glass of water and a face towel.

He and Aquino then had a closed-door meeting.

The pope was set to deliver his first public speech here in his meeting with authorities and diplomatic corps at the Rizal Ceremonial Hall.

Pope Francis arrived in the Philippines on Thursday afternoon and received a warm welcome at the Villamor Airbase and during his first motorcade.

Vatican spokesman Fr. Federico Lombardi said the pope "was very impressed" with the Filipinos' warm welcome.

Federico said the meeting between Aquino and Pope Francis this morning will be more personal.

In a press conference, Lombardi said the Pope is expected to deliver three important speeches today.

"One is in the morning in Malacañang. Second is his homily in the mass with the priests and clergy in the Manila Cathedral. Third, is during his meeting with the families at the Mall of Asia (MOA)," the STAR quoted Lombardi as saying.

Lombardi also said that the Pope and the President will have a very short period of time to be together.