Grand welcome awaits Pope.

Manila, Philippines, October 23, 2014 - Pope Francis, head of the Worldwide Roman Catholic Church and Vatican City State, arrives today from Rome, Italy for a five-day pastoral and state visit aimed at strengthening the Filipino people's Christian faith and improving relations between the Church and the Aquino Government.

President Benigno Aquino III, during his regular press briefing, said he will discuss with the Pope key issues affecting Church-Government relations, including the the Charter change, the Bangsamoro Framework Agreement, the tension against China over the Scarborough Shoal, the Development Acceleration Program (DAP) and Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) scam of businesswoman Janet Lim-Napoles, the rehabilitation after the Zamboanga siege to the onslaught Yolanda caused in Visayas and the recent typhoon “Glenda” in Luzon last July, the P316-million Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office funds scam, P6.6 billion housing scam of Delfin Lee's Globe Asiatique (GA), P728 million fertilizer fund scam, the construction of major infrastructure projects, the crime rate in Metro Manila including robbery holdups, the high-profile killings, the gang rape, the onslaught of typhoon Glenda, the 100 million population mark, the legal issues in DOTC such as: the rehabilitation of MRT-3, the awarding of the LRT-1 south extension project, the legal battle between SM Prime Holdings and Ayala Land on the proposed “common train station”.

Mr. Aquino also assured that the Pope will be well-secured during his entire visit. Some 20,000 security personnel from various law enforcement agencies have mobilized for the visit.

The President said his talks with the Pontiff will very brief. But, Mr. Aquino hinted that the talks will ensure improvement relations between the Church and the Government.

Some 1,500 people will also be on hand to welcome the Pope. Upon the Pope's arrival, the President will deliver his welcome remarks, after which the Pontiff will deliver a message to the Filipino People.

Tomorrow, the Holy Father will make a courtesy call on President Benigno Aquino III at Malacanang's Music Room, to be followed by a one-on-one meeting between the two leaders. A Private audience with the First family follows.