^

Headlines

Pope Francis tells peace adviser: I will bless Duterte

ABOUT SHOWBIZ - Rosette Adel - Philstar.com
Pope Francis tells peace adviser: I will bless Duterte
Pope Francis is seen here waving to millions of people who showed up at Luneta Park to celebrate mass and see the famous pontiff. The pope did his best to reach as many people as possible after the mass on Jan. 18. 2015.
Philstar.com / RP Ocampo, file

MANILA, Philippines –  After receiving a letter from President Rodrigo Duterte, Pope Francis said he will bless the president, according to Presidential Peace Adviser Jesus “Jess” Dureza.

In his Facebook account, Dureza shared that he was able to meet Pope Francis. He narrated that when the pontiff learned that he and his delegates are from the Philippines, the pope’s face brightened up.

“I said: "Bless the Philippines, Your Holiness" Pope Francis: "I will also bless your president," Dureza wrote in his post, which was accompanied by photos of their meeting during the traditional kissing of the hand or “bacciamano.”


Dureza, along with members of the government peace panel are in Rome, Italy to attend the third round of talks with the National Democratic Front of the Philippines. They made a side trip to Vatican City to meet the Pope in the bacciamano, which only happens on Wednesdays.

Duterte's letter to the Pope, marked with the Malacañang seal, was hand delivered to the pontiff by Foreign Affairs Secretary Perfecto Yasay.

In his letter, President Duterte extended his warmest greetings and respect to the Pope and thanked him for his apostolic visit to the Philippines in 2015.

It was the second time that Duterte sent a letter to Pope Francis. Last year, he sent a letter of apology for reportedly cursing at the Pope because of the traffic that the visit caused.

Catholics slammed Duterte, then presidential candidate, for his disrespectful remark to the pontiff, the figurehead of the Roman Catholic Church.

He explained that he was cursing the traffic and that the profanity was not directed at the Pope.

RELATED: Pope Francis receives Duterte's letter

JESUS DUREZA

POPE FRANCIS

PRESIDENT RODRIGO DUTERTE

Philstar
  • Latest
  • Trending
Latest
Latest
abtest
Are you sure you want to log out?
X
Login

Philstar.com is one of the most vibrant, opinionated, discerning communities of readers on cyberspace. With your meaningful insights, help shape the stories that can shape the country. Sign up now!

Get Updated:

Signup for the News Round now

FORGOT PASSWORD?
SIGN IN
or sign in with