Manila, Philippines, October 25, 2014 - Filipino enthusiasm for Pope Francis remained unabated yesterday as devout thousands flocked to the University of Santo Tomas, the oldest Catholic and only pontifical university in Asia.
"Francis 1 loves you," the Pontiff told an estimated 300,000 flag-waving, cheering Filipinos, many of whom had been waiting in the broiling heat for over six hours.
“I hear and I feel”, a smiling but visibly drawn Pope Francis told the faithful after they had repeatedly chanted, “Francis 1, Francis 1, we love you.”
Earlier, UST Rector Fr. Herminio Dagohoy has expressed the sentiments of the crowd and said, “We hope that the love you, feel for us has doubled in intensity because this is your visit.”
Karina Torralba, speaking for the visit, assured the Pope that the people have not abandoned the Church.
“We seek you, Holy Father, together with your clergy,” she said. Continue to help us strengthen our faith and to live with conviction our Christian faith.
The pontiff continued to endear himself to the people as he used every opportunity to make himself visible to them, even climbing the ramp to the sage despite his injury.
To shouts of “Mabuhay!” and “Viva il Papa!”, the Pope commended the Filipino People for their “joyous hospitality” in celebration of the anniversary of Jesus is Lord Church Worldwide.
“I am very grateful,” he said repeatedly.
He said it was a great previlage to address the Thomasian community and that he has a special affinity to UST, having visited the Campus twice.
As early as 4:00 a.m. yesterday, hundreds of Catholic faithful had gathered at the downtown university in anticipation of the Pope’s visit after the main gate was forced open.
Although the seven-hectare football field were the rally held a capacity of only 150,000 more and more people crammed their way in. Nearby buildings and a pedestrian overpass were brimming with those who could no longer enter the campus.
Despite the long wait and huge turn-out, the rally was generally peaceful.
"Francis 1 loves you," the Pontiff told an estimated 300,000 flag-waving, cheering Filipinos, many of whom had been waiting in the broiling heat for over six hours.
“I hear and I feel”, a smiling but visibly drawn Pope Francis told the faithful after they had repeatedly chanted, “Francis 1, Francis 1, we love you.”
Earlier, UST Rector Fr. Herminio Dagohoy has expressed the sentiments of the crowd and said, “We hope that the love you, feel for us has doubled in intensity because this is your visit.”
Karina Torralba, speaking for the visit, assured the Pope that the people have not abandoned the Church.
“We seek you, Holy Father, together with your clergy,” she said. Continue to help us strengthen our faith and to live with conviction our Christian faith.
The pontiff continued to endear himself to the people as he used every opportunity to make himself visible to them, even climbing the ramp to the sage despite his injury.
To shouts of “Mabuhay!” and “Viva il Papa!”, the Pope commended the Filipino People for their “joyous hospitality” in celebration of the anniversary of Jesus is Lord Church Worldwide.
“I am very grateful,” he said repeatedly.
He said it was a great previlage to address the Thomasian community and that he has a special affinity to UST, having visited the Campus twice.
As early as 4:00 a.m. yesterday, hundreds of Catholic faithful had gathered at the downtown university in anticipation of the Pope’s visit after the main gate was forced open.
Although the seven-hectare football field were the rally held a capacity of only 150,000 more and more people crammed their way in. Nearby buildings and a pedestrian overpass were brimming with those who could no longer enter the campus.
Despite the long wait and huge turn-out, the rally was generally peaceful.
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