Vatican inspecting Cebu for pope’s visit

CEBU, Philippines - The possibility of Pope Francis coming to the Philippines, specifically to Cebu, seems more and more likely.

After receiving a letter from the Committee on International Eucharistic Congress in Rome requesting to change the date of the Pope’s visit to the Philippines, Cebu Archbishop Jose Palma revealed yesterday that they are expecting the president of the said committee, Msgr. Piero Marini, to come to Cebu in September to make an ocular inspection and assessment.

Palma said this is another development in their hope to have the Holy Father in Cebu, even as it is still two years from now.

“We are keeping our fingers crossed because we feel he has great love and his way of supporting the developing countries and also countries where faith is also strong and could make a good outreach to other countries,” said Palma.

Last month, Palma got a letter from Marini requesting for the reschedule of the International Eucharistic congress to January since their proposed May schedule is close to another event the Pope needs to attend.

Palma said yesterday that the request is a strong implication that Cebu is really being considered in the Pope’s schedule. The International Eucharistic Congress, which is attended by cardinals, archbishops, priests and others members of the Church, is rotated in different countries every other four years. Manila last hosted the congress in 1937.

The Vatican, Palma explained, is very systematic when it comes to the Pope’s schedule and activities of the Church, some plotted as early as two year ahead.

At the moment, Palma said they have already defined the various committees needed for the international congress and would have the final details as the days and weeks go by.

Palma shared that in his conversation with bishops from other countries, they also hope that Pope Francis’ visit to the Philippines will take place since it may open the possibility that the Pope may take a side trip to nearby countries.

“I think that’s also possible,” said Palma explaining that in the Pope’s visit for example to Brazil, there are reports that he may visit other neighboring countries in South America.

Palma said in their conversation last April he told the Pope how he wishes he can visit the Philippines. The Pope allegedly teased that he would if he was still alive and strong enough, Palma believes this answer is already reflective of the Holy Father’s desire to come to the country. — /BRP (FREEMAN)

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