President Benigno Aquino III speaks before an audience composed of Pope Francis, politicians and members of the diplomatic corps. Photo courtesy of the Official Gazette
MANILA, Philippines—After finally meeting Pope Francis, President Benigno Aquino III on Friday took the opportunity to both praise and criticize members of the Catholic Church, as well as administrations before him.
Recalling the hardships that his family went through during the dictatorship of former President Ferdinand Marcos, Aquino said that while “the Church of the poor and oppressed shone vividly” during those dark years, “many” of its members did not speak out against the administration of former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.
“The courage and daring displayed by the clergy solidified my belief… The clergy was always at the forefront of those wanting to emulate Christ and carry the burdens for all of us. Indeed, they nourished the compassion, faith, and courage of the Filipino people,” he said.
He then said that it was “hard to understand” how it had transformed.
“There was a true test of faith when many members of the Church, once advocates for the poor, the marginalized, and the helpless, suddenly became silent in the face of the previous administration’s abuses, which we are still trying to rectify to this very day,” Aquino said.
He said he thought the Church would be his natural ally as he institutes reforms.
However, he has been at the receiving end of criticism instead of support.
“In contrast to their previous silence, some members of the clergy now seem to think that the way to be true to the faith means finding something to criticize, even to the extent that one prelate admonished me to do something about my hair, as if it were a mortal sin,” the President added.
He did not name the members of the clergy he was referring to.
In his bid to explain his side, Aquino said he was only human and therefore imperfect.
“Everything I have said has not been to criticize, but to speak the truth, for the truth shall set us all free. If we are able to settle our differences, can we not benefit our people quicker?” he explained.
At this point, Aquino said he praised Pope Francis for speaking against the illnesses that those in the position of power are prone to. These include “thinking one’s self immortal or indispensable, and the danger of becoming sowers of discord through gossip and grumbling,” the President said.
He said not only is the Pope a unifying and revitalizing voice, he also avoids the “trappings of [his] position.”
Aquino joked that the Pontiff’s humility and tendency to turn down “necessary security preparations” had become a “security nightmare” for the Philippine government.
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