From his Eucharistic Mass at Luneta to his time in Tacloban, here are some highlights from the Pontiff’s visit, as captured in the pages of the Manila Bulletin.
Pope Francis, the 266th pope of the Roman Catholic Church and the first pontiff from Latin America, passed away peacefully in the Vatican early this morning at the age of 88. The Holy See confirmed his death in an official statement, noting that he died surrounded by close aides and in the presence of prayer.
Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, the Pontiff captured the hearts of countless devotees—many of them Filipinos. That’s why, in January 2015, Filipinos went all out to see and hear Pope Francis during his first visit to the country. As “The Exponent of Philippine Progress,” the Manila Bulletin followed him wherever he went, chronicling the inspiring moments of his five-day visit.
Day 1: Jan. 15, 2015
Former President Benigno Aquino III, together with nine-year-old Lanie Ortillo, welcomed Pope Francis at Villamor Airbase.
Day 2: Jan. 16, 2015
Pope Francis visits Malacañan Palace.
Pope Francis waves at the crowd from the Popemobile on his way to Manila Cathedral.
Filipino prelate Luis Antonio Tagle with the Pontiff during a Mass at Manila Cathedral.
Day 3: Jan. 17, 2015
Pope Francis steps down from a Philippine Airlines plane to visit the survivors of Typhoon Yolanda in Tacloban, Leyte.
“I will walk with you all with my heart… I have no words to tell you,” Pope Francis said. “Let us look to Christ. He is the Lord. He understands us because He underwent all the trials that we have experienced.”
Day 4: Jan. 18, 2015
Around six million people attend Pope Francis’ Eucharistic Mass at Luneta.
Day 5: Jan. 19, 2015
Pope Francis walks up the ramp to board a Philippine Airlines direct flight to Rome.
Rest in paradise, Pope Francis.
