Pope Francis back in Nunciature after shortened Leyte trip
MANILA, Philippines–Thousands of people stood on tiptoes, children were lifted on their fathers’ shoulders, everyone else did everything they can to catch a glimpse of Pope Francis as he approached the Apostolic Nunciature in Manila at 2:55 p.m. Saturday aboard his enclosed vehicle.
Pope Francis arrived back in Manila after his visit in Leyte was cut short by a tropical storm. The Pontiff celebrated Mass in Tacloban as promised to the survivors of Supertyphoon “Yolanda.”
His Holiness passed through Osmeña Highway from the Villamor Airbase in Pasay City to the Apostolic Nunciature in Manila.
In one swift wave, thousands raised their phones to capture the historic moment that bypassed them in a few seconds.
Cheers erupted to the tune of “Pope!” “Pope Francis!” “Lolo Kiko!” “Papa!” as the well-wishers did everything in their power to get noticed.
The Pontiff, however, was immediately whisked off to the confines of the Apostolic Nunciature.
For the family of Engineer Josefin de Alban, waiting for the Pontiff on Saturday was their fourth time to catch a glimpse of Pope Francis.
“We saw them ever since he got here, we saw him,” De Alban said. “And we will all go together to UST (University of Santo Tomas) tomorrow.”
De Alban, who is an associate professor at the Faculty of Engineering in UST, and his family shouted in unison whenever they saw the Pontiff.
“We love you Pope! Viva Il Papa!”
He added that Pope Francis’ visit is not only for the Catholics but for all of Filipinos.
“I hope he can still give enlightenment to guide the people, I hope that he is still strong,” De Alban said.
Authorities, who asked not to be identified as they are not allowed to give statements to the media, said the urgent arrival of the Holy Father still went according to plan. Pope Francis was supposed to leave Leyte for Manila at 5 p.m. but because of strong winds and heavy rains, he was flown at 1 p.m.
“It was not a problem, we were here since he left the Nunciature,” the officer said. “It was still a smooth transition.”
He added that the only concern was the sudden wave of people who arrived on Quirino Avenue upon learning that Pope Francis would be arriving early.
“The only adjustment we did was when all these people arrived immediately in droves,” he said.
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