MANILA, Jan 20, 2015—Following Pope Francis’ departure to the country after his five-day apostolic visit, Filipinos cannot seem to get over the charismatic presence of the leader of the world’s 1.2 billion Catholics.
Netizens stormed social networking site Twitter as they expressed their insights about the Pope’s visit to the country from January 15 to 19, many of whom making reference to how Pope Francis represented Jesus Christ.
Pope Francis greets crowds on his way to Villamor Air base for his flight back to Rome, Jan. 19, 2015. (Photo: Rick Mupas)
“The UST event is a landmark in Catholic history. Christ spoke in that campus through Francis,” @teddyboylocsin, veteran journalist and speechwriter, said, referring to the Encounter with the Youth held in UST.
Netizen @anath1995 echoed this observation, “Every time (Pope Francis) delivers his homily, it is really ‘heart-touching’. It seems like Christ is speaking.”
“We love Pope Francis because we see Jesus Christ in him,” @shaneliQ added.
Touching homilies
For @CrizGeun, the Holy Father’s impromptu homily in Tacloban addressing the survivors of super typhoon “Yolanda” (international name: Haiyan) was very genuine and heart-felt.
“Pope Francis’ homily in Tacloban is very touching. Have a safe flight back (to Rome), Lolo Kiko,” he said in Filipino.
“I felt like a child being comforted while watching the video of Pope’s homily in Tacloban,” netizen @SleepyNelle said.
Twitter user @rosalesjoy added, “Papa, as you came here in Tacloban, we feel blessed and very touched by your homily. May God bless you as you (have) blessed us.”
Proudly Catholic
Filipinos also felt proud and happy about the Holy Father’s visit to the country, noting that it has strengthened their faith amid secular influences surrounding them.
“Because of Pope Francis, my faith to God has been strengthened. Thank you for the great homilies you delivered,” @mariamonette said in Filipino.
Twitter user @MCorciga added, “Pope, thank you (for your concern and sympathy). We will not forget your unscripted liturgy and homily for us Filipinos. I’m proud to be Catholic.”
Other netizens admitted becoming emotional upon hearing the words of the Holy Father.
“I have cried so much ever since you arrived here in our country. That makes me want to hear your homily every Sunday. Thank you, Pope Francis,” ?@CodyOrgasMiC said.
“Thanks for visiting us Pope Francis. We will never forget the lessons you raised in your homilies,” @kateramos70 added in the vernacular.
Pope Francis flew back to Rome early Monday on board Philippine Airlines flight Shepherd One PR 8010. (Jennifer M. Orillaza/CBCP News)
