Pope Francis Thanks President Aquino for Inviting Him to the Philippines

His Holiness Pope Francis thanked President Benigno S. Aquino III for inviting him to the Philippines and for the warm welcome he and the entire Filipino nation has extended to him since he arrived on Thursday evening.

Pope Francis was given an official welcome ceremony before throngs of the Catholic faithful at the Malacañang Palace grounds on Friday morning, complete with full military honors that befit a head of state.

“I thank you, Mr. President, for your kind welcome and for your words of greeting in the name of the authorities and people of the Philippines, and the distinguished members of the Diplomatic Corps. I am most grateful for your invitation to visit the Philippines,” Pope Francis said in a statement delivered at the Palace’s Rizal Hall.

Recognizing the immense influence Christianity has on Filipino culture, the pope noted that his visit is more ‘pastoral’ in nature, as it coincides with the Church’s celebration of the fifth centenary of the “first proclamation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ on these shores.”

“It is my hope that this important anniversary will point to its continuing fruitfulness and its potential to inspire a society worthy of the goodness, dignity, and aspirations of the Filipino people,” he said.

The Philippines is considered as the third largest country with Roman Catholic followers, hence the great significance put on the papal visit.

“As I begin my visit to this country, I cannot fail to mention the Philippines’ important role in fostering understanding and cooperation among the countries of Asia. I would also mention the oft-neglected yet real contribution of Filipinos of the diaspora to the life and welfare of the societies in which they live,” Pope Francis said.

He also took the opportunity to personally lend his support to the continuing efforts the Aquino administration is taking to achieve a just and lasting peace in Muslim Mindanao.

“I am confident that the praiseworthy efforts to promote dialogue and cooperation between the followers of the different religions will prove fruitful in the pursuit of this noble goal,” the pontiff said.

“In a particular way, I express my trust that the progress made in bringing peace to the south of the country will result in just solutions in accord with the nation’s founding principles and respectful of the inalienable rights of all, including the indigenous peoples and religious minorities.”

Pope Francis said he hopes that the deepest spiritual values of the Filipino people continue to find expression in the efforts of government officials to provide their fellow citizens with an integral human development.

This way, he said, each person will be able to fulfill his or her potential, and thus contribute wisely and well to the future of this country.

“Upon all of you, and upon all the men, women and children of this beloved nation, I cordially invoke God’s abundant blessings. Thank you,” Pope Francis said before leaving the Palace to pursue his other engagements in Manila for the day. PND (hdc)