People in Makati disappointed at not seeing Pope

A thick crowd of people line a lane of Osmeña Highway in Makati City on Saturday afternoon. PHOTO BY RICK ALBERTO

MANILA, Philippines–Thousands of people lining the sides of the northbound lane of Osmeña Highway near the corner of Buendia Avenue Saturday afternoon were disappointed that they didn’t get even a glimpse of Pope Francis who drove by fast in a closed car from Villamor Airbase after flying in from Tacloban City.

Many of them had waited for over an hour even while he was still airborne on a Philippine Airlines flight. Many people who were on their way to work in Makati on the other side of the highway were trapped and couldn’t cross for reasons of security.

Some of them insisted, and due to the urgency of their requests policemen and civilian security volunteers allowed them to go to the other side of the lane. One lady on her way to work in a restaurant in Makati’s financial district was resigned to being late for work. “Anyway, this is an opportunity for me to see the Pope,” she said. A woman beside her said, “Your employer will understand.” A pregnant woman who said she had a 2 o’clock appointment with her obstetrician also waited it out until the Pope passed by.

But two young ladies shouted angry words at the policeman who refused to let them cross to the other side of the lane. “The Pope is still on the plane, why don’t you allow us to cross?” they said at the top of their voice. They got no sympathy from the crowd.

There were several false alarms as the people hoisted their cell phones and cameras to record the Pope, who they thought was riding in a Popemobile.

Finally one of the policemen gave them the tip: The Pope’s approaching. In an instant a sea of hoisted cellphones appeared, but Pope Francis’ car came by fast. Only those on the other side of the lane got a glimpse of his face.

Those who failed to see his face were disappointed but they left didn’t complain. A policeman had a comforting word: “You can see him tomorrow in Luneta.”

Pope Francis will culminate his pastoral visit to the Philippines with a Mass Sunday in Rizal Park at 3:30 p.m. Civilian and Church authorities expect 6 million people to attend it.