PHOTO BY KRISTINE ANGELI SABILLO
MANILA, Philippines–The jeepney popemobile was seen being escorted in Malacañang around 11 a.m. Tuesday as the government held a dry run of Pope Francis’ visit.
A convoy of security escorts on motorcycles and police cars accompanied one of the three vehicles intended for the pontiff. The back of the popemobile, which is supposed to be open, was wrapped in white cloth.
President Benigno Aquino III and his Cabinet members will welcome the pope upon his arrival at the Villamor Airbase on Thursday.
Afterwards, the two heads of state will meet again on Friday for a courtesy call. Aquino and other Filipino officials will receive Pope Francis at the Kalayaan Grounds of the Malacañang Complex.
Filipino officials, Aquino’s family and the diplomatic corps will be introduced to the pontiff.
The pope will stay in Malacañang for more than an hour before heading to Manila Cathedral for his first Mass in the Philippines.
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