POPE WATCH: Why people want to see Pope Francis
Pope
Francis is in the Philippines on Sunday, the final full day of a
weeklong trip that also took him to Sri Lanka. Here are some glimpses of
his visit as it unfolds:
___VOICES FROM THE CROWD
"I am not satisfied just seeing him on TV. This is a once in a lifetime chance to see him in the flesh, even from afar."
— Rosalinda Kho, 68, with her 44-year-old daughter.
"He doesn't want to be treated as someone special. Look at his vehicles, they are not bullet-proof, he wanted them to be open so that he can feel he is close to the people. How will you be able to protect your followers if you are not with them, if you are afraid to show yourself, to stand behind them or stand before them?"
— Rommel Monton, 28, a call center agent with his niece and 4-year-old daughter.
___
QUICKQUOTE: "WOMEN HAVE MUCH TO TELL US"
Francis drew applause with these comments to a student audience at the University of Santo Tomas in the morning:
"Women have much to tell us in today's society (applause). Sometimes we're too macho, and we don't leave enough room for women. Women are able to see things with different eyes than us (applause). Women are able to ask questions that men can't understand. ... When the next pope comes, please have more women and girls among your numbers."
___
SAD NEWS, SOMBER POPE
Pope Francis opened his meeting with the Filipino youth on a somber note, reporting to thousands gathered at the centuries-old University of Santo Tomas the sad news that a female church volunteer had died during his visit to central Tacloban city the previous day, and led prayers for the woman.
"She was 27 years old, young like yourselves," he said. "She was an only daughter."
He said the woman's mother works in Hong Kong and was returning home awaited by her father.
The woman, whom she identified as Kristel, helped organize the Mass in Tacloban. It was celebrated in a rain- and wind-swept field close to the Tacloban airport.
Police said Kristel Padasas, a volunteer with the Catholic Relief Services, died when scaffolding fell on her. Witnesses said a sudden gust of wind toppled the structure, which served as platform for a large loudspeaker.
Francis cut short his Tacloban visit because of an approaching storm that caused foul weather.
— By Oliver Teves, AP writer, Manila, Philippines — Twitter: twitter.com/seveto
__
DOS AND DONTS
With millions expected to descend on Manila's Rizal Park for the final Mass on Pope Francis' trip to the Philippines, the government has put out a public service announcement on what people should do — and not do — to avoid getting hurt.
Presidential spokesman Edwin Lacierda unveiled a virtual laundry list of rules:
— Don't bring the elderly, pregnant women and children.
— No bomb jokes that may cause panic. No weapons of any kind.
— Don't wear jewelry or bring excessive money that can attract pickpockets.
— Bring food, water, personal medicines, raincoats, an ID — but NO umbrellas.
— Avoid bringing bags that will take a long time to inspect; best to use transparent plastic ones.
Public Service Announcement: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nJBo_Bw5cw4
— By Oliver Teves, AP writer, Manila, Philippines — Twitter: twitter.com/seveto
___
THE CROWD GATHERS
A nonstop stream of people is heading toward Rizal Park in downtown Manila this morning, hours before Pope Francis is to celebrate an outdoor Mass that could draw several million.
Some camped outside the park overnight to be the first ones in when the gates opened around 6 a.m.
Many are walking a good distance up Roxas Boulevard, a main street along Manila Bay that has been closed. Others are taking positions behind barricades in hopes of seeing the pope when his motorcade passes later in the day.
Those going to the park carry snacks in clear plastic bags to sustain them through the wait ahead. A few have statues of the infant Jesus, one of the most important icons in the Philippines, as Sunday also marks the feast of Santo Nino.
— By Ken Moritsugu, AP writer, Manila, Philippines — Twitter: twitter.com/kmorit
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