Malacañang thankful to Filipinos for ensuring safety of Pope Francis

MANILA, Philippines—Malacañang on Monday thanked the people for cooperating with the government in ensuring the safety of Pope Francis.

The Pope has stayed in the country for five days and attended various events: meeting families at the Mall of Asia Arena; met the youth and religious leaders at the University of Santo Tomas; had lunch with 30 Yolanda victims; celebrated Masses in Tacloban, Manila Cathedral and Rizal Park that drew a monster crowd of six million.

“We thank our countrymen for their solidarity in ensuring the safety of the Pope: From the thousands who patiently lined the route of the Papal motorcade to the organizations that encouraged mindfulness and helped maintain order during the public engagements of the Pope; and to the millions who participated in the Papal activities,” Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda said in a statement.

The Palace also recognized the effort of different church groups in coordinating with the government the dedication of the different church groups that worked hand-in-hand with government as well as the media for disseminating government advisories.

“We finally thank the members of lead government agencies for effectively carrying out their tasks during this historic visit: from the thousands of police on the ground, the Presidential Security Group and the Armed Forces of the Philippines, and to the many law-enforcement and government personnel that provided necessary support throughout the Pope’s visit.

“The gratitude of the Filipino people extends to those not directly involved with the Pope’s security—those who manned different posts, as their colleagues were reassigned to safeguard the welfare of Pope Francis and of the many who came out to see him,” he added.

Lacierda said the Pope’s visit is proof that the people and the government can work hand in hand “towards a unified endeavor.”

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