Running priest rues commercial frenzy over Pope

Fr. Robert Reyes. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

TACLOBAN, Philippines––Pope Francis “will probably be dismayed” when he sees his pictures emblazoned on huge billboards and posters and memorabilia such as mugs and shirts, with many big corporate sponsors and politicians in on the papal mania sweeping this city.

That was the sentiment of activist priest Fr. Robert Reyes who led several victims of the 2013 Supertyphoon “Yolanda” through an 8-kilometer march from Tacloban to neighboring Palo town two days ahead of the Pope’s arrival in Leyte.

“It seems big corporations [and politicians] just cannot resist the temptation of riding on the popularity of the Pope,” he said in an interview during the march.

Reyes, known for his outspoken political views, said the commercial frenzy over Pope Francis’ visit ran counter to the latter’s “battle cry” of simple and clean living.

Bereft of inspiring leaders

But Reyes said he understood why Filipinos were looking at the Pope with such attention and fervor, noting his place as one of the few unifying global leaders left—if not the only one at the moment.

“The world has reached a point where it’s bereft of inspiring leaders. [Barack] Obama’s glow is gone. Now it’s only the Pope,” said Reyes, whose parish is in Santiago, Isabela.

An air of electricity filled the streets of the city, as authorities conducted dry runs of the Jan. 17 activities.

The Inquirer spotted construction worker Mario Sibugon, 49, working on a mass grave in Barangay (village) San Joaquin in Palo, where at least 378 died during Yolanda’s onslaught, with others still missing. It was one of the worst-hit communities in the town.

“My whole family will go see him. I will ask him for forgiveness, and I will ask him to deliver our prayers to the Lord,” he said.

Rosalie de Rota, a company executive, spent Thursday with her mother and brother going around Leyte to pay their respects to Yolanda victims and to go to the places the Pope will visit.

Her family will have left for Manila by the time the Pope arrives here, she said.

“His purpose for coming here is so important. When I think of what he’s doing for our people, it makes me think, ‘Who am I to complain about my life?’” De Rota said.