Day 2 (January 16, 2015)
Pope Francis met with several Filipino families, including those representing OFWs and PWDs, at the “Meeting with Families” at the Mall of Asia Arena and heard their testimonies.
During his homily, he reminded the Catholic faithful to “protect the family”, and noted that economic challenges are tearing families apart as more people migrate in search of better employment. He also reiterated his message of defending marriage and the family, saying that every threat to the family is a threat to society.
Pope Francis also reminded the audience to always take time out to pray every day and not to lose the capacity to dream, for “when you lose the capacity to dream, you lose the capacity to love.”
He called for respect for life and reminded the faithful of the sacredness of every human life from conception to natural death.
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The pope urged Filipinos to reject corruption "at all levels" and to not deprive the poor of God-given resources.
Speaking before government officials at the Palace, Pope Francis said it is high time for officials to lead by example.
"As many voices in your nation have pointed out, it is now, more than ever, necessary that political leaders be outstanding for honesty, integrity and commitment to the common good," said the pope.
"Upon all of you, and upon all the men, women, and children of this beloved nation, I cordially invoke God’s abundant blessings," he also said.
Read: Pope's full speech at the Palace
The charismatic Pope also emphasized why he is the Philippines: and that is to "express my closeness to our brothers and sisters who endured the suffering, loss, and devastation caused by Typhoon Yolanda."
Meanwhile, during his first eucharistic celebration at the Manila Cathedral, the Pope called on the clergy to examine their conscience.
Related photo: Pope Francis' message: (Full story)
Here's a recap of Day 2:
Mall of Asia Arena highlights
7:12 PM: Pope leaves MOA Arena
- Pope Francis leaves the Mall of Asia Arena and heads to the Apostolic Nunciature to rest, bringing to an end his activities for Day 2.
7:00 PM: Jamie Rivera ends the program.
- Singer Jamie Rivera ends the program at the Mall of Asia by singing We Are All God's Children.
6:57 PM: Choir sings Hymn of Mary
- The choir at the Mall of Asia Arena sings the Hymn of Mary as the audience brings out lights.
6:55 PM: The mass at the MOA Arena ends
- Pope Francis ends the mass at the Mall of Asia Arena.
6:49 PM: The Lord's Prayer
- The audience sings the Lord's Prayer in Tagalog.
6:47 PM: Prayer of the Faithful in multiple local languages
- Intercessions are said in Tagalog, Ilocano, Cebuano and Kapampangan.
6:45 PM: Pope Francis ends homily
- Pope Francis ends his homily by reminding the audience not to forget that Jesus slept in Joseph's arms. He also asks everyone to pray for him.
6:37 PM: Pope Francis calls for respect for life
- Pope Francis quotes Saint John Paul II and says the future of humanity passes through the family. He calls for respect for life and reminds the audience of the sacredness of every human life from conception to natural death.
6:31 PM: Pope Francis talks about dangers threatening families today
- Pope Francis implores the crowd to recognize the dangers threatening our families and protect them from harm. He also notes that economic challenges are tearing families apart as more people migrate in search of better employment. He reiterates his message of defending marriage and the family, saying that every threat to the family is a threat to society.
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6:26 PM: Pope Francis says he prays to St. Joseph
- Pope Francis reveals he has a picture of a sleeping St. Joseph on his desk. He says when he has a problem, he writes it on a piece of paper and slips it under the statue so that St. Joseph can dream about it.
6:22 PM: Pope Francis reminds listeners to make time to pray
- Switching back to English, Pope Francis says we must make time to pray and that rest is essential for our spiritual health, so that we can better hear God's voice and understand His message.
6:20 PM: Pope Francis asks crowd not to lose capacity to dream
- Pope Francis reminds the crowd not to lose the capacity to dream. "When you lose the capacity to dream, you lose the capacity to love."
6:15 PM: Pope Francis speaks in Spanish
- Pope Francis apologizes for his poor English, and asks permission to speak in Spanish with an interpreter beside him translating for the audience.
6:11 PM: Pope Francis gives homily
- After the reading of the gospel, Pope Francis addresses the families and his "friends in Christ" at the Mall of Asia Arena, and says he is grateful for their presence.
6:03 PM: Family representing PWDs gives testimony
- Through his daughter, Renato Cruz shares the challenges he and his wife face as persons with disabilities. Both are hard of hearing but their children are not. Pope Francis signs "thank you" to the Cruz family.
5:57 PM: OFW family gives testimony
- The Pumarada family gives testimony to Pope Francis on behalf of overseas foreign workers.
5:49 PM: Dizon family from Quezon City talks to Pope Francis
- The Dizon family from Krus na Ligas, Quezon City gives testimony to Pope Francis. They shared how their community affirmed their love for the church.
5:42 PM: Families start meeting Pope Francis
- The Rodrigo family is the first family to give testimony to Pope Francis.
5:35 PM: Bishop Gabriel Reyes welcomes Pope Francis
- Bishop Gabriel Reyes, chair of the Episcopal Commission for Family and Life, opens the Mall of Asia Arena event by welcoming Pope Francis.
5:32 PM: Pope Francis blesses the sick in MOA Arena audience
- Pope Francis makes his way through the capacity crowd, stopping every once in a while to kiss children and bless the sick in the audience.
5:17 PM: Pope Francis arrives at MOA Arena
- Waving at the enthusiastic crowd from his Popemobile, the pontiff is greeted by a thunderous welcome at the Mall of Asia Arena. He even paused for a while to kiss a baby.
Pope Francis waves to the Catholic faithful as he arrives for a meeting with Filipino families in Manila January 16, 2015.
4:58 PM: Pope Francis on his way to MOA Arena
- Pope Francis has left the Apostolic Nunciature and is on his way to the Mall of Asia Arena for his meeting with Filipino families.
4:40 PM: Huge crowds at MOA Arena wait for Pope Francis
- Crowds have gathered both inside and outside of the Mall of Asia Arena where Pope Francis will meet with Filipino families.
4:05 PM: Pope Francis tweets in Filipino
- Pope Francis says the Philippines bears witness to the youth and vitality of the Catholic Church.
Manila Cathedral highlights
1:03 PM: Pope Francis leaves Manila Cathedral
- The pontiff has left Manila Cathedral and is going back to the Apostolic Nunciature, his official residence in Manila. He's riding a Volkswagen sedan. He will reportedly rest for now to prepare for a packed schedule late afternoon Friday at the Mall of Asia Arena.
Pope Francis, right, lifts the host beside Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, archbishop of Manila, as he officiates a mass with clergy and religious at the Cathedral Basilica of the Immaculate Conception in Manila, Philippines, Friday, Jan. 16, 2015. (AP Photo/Aaron Favila)
12:36 PM: Mass ends, crowd sings 'Tell the world of His love."
12:31 PM: Archbishop Luis Antonio Tagle welcomes Pope Francis
“This Cathedral has been razed to the ground many times but it refuses to disappear. It boldly rises from the ruins, just like the Filipino people. We are afflicted in every way possible but we are not crushed," Tagle tells the Holy Father, referring to Manila Cathedral. The church had been closed to the public for a while for repairs.
12:12 PM: Pope Francis greets elderly priests and nuns
- Pope Francis reaches out to nuns and priests seated in front of the Church. He prioritized those in wheelchairs and lovingly blessed them one by one.
11:33 AM: Pope Francis begins sermon
- The pontiff asks members of the Church: "Do you love me?" He gets a loud yes. Then he says "Thank you very much" and elicits laughter from the crowd.
- He also tells priests and nuns: "As ambassadors of Christ, all of us should be first to welcome his reconciling grace in our hearts." He also said "we should be the first to examine our conscience, acknowledge our sins."
11:23 AM: First reading is in Filipino
- The First reading during the Holy Mass is read in Filipino.
11:16 AM: Pope begins eucharistic celebration
-Pope Francis is now leading a Holy Mass in English. It was earlier reported his mass will be Latin. The penitential rite's song is in Filipino.
Related story: Pope slams scandalous social inequalities, graft
11:00 AM: Pope arrives at Manila Cathedral on schedule
- Pope Francis is now at the Manila Cathedral to celebrate his first mass in the Philippines. The Holy mass is attended by priests and nuns from all over the country.
10: 49 AM: Pope resumes motorcade
- The pontiff rides the pope mobile anew and happily waves before jubilant crowds. He is en route to Manila Cathedral, where he will hold his first mass.
10: 43 AM: Pope gives an apostolic blessing
- Pope Francis gives a blessing to those inside the Rizal Hall. Spotted in the area are the First family, former presidents, key government officials, and dignitaries.
10: 40 AM: Pope Francis wishes blessings for the Philippines
- The Pope has wished "goodness, abundance, and blessings" for the country.
10: 36 AM: Pope Francis calls on Filipinos to reject corruption
"I hope this will challenge everyone at all levels of society to reject every form of corruption which divert the resource for the poor," said Pope Francis.
10: 34 AM: Pope lauds Filipino resilience
- "I have admired the heroic strength, faith and resilience demonstrated by so many Filipinos in the face of natural disasters and so many others," he said.
10: 32 AM: Pope cites fifth centennial anniversary of Catholicism in the Philippines
- Pope says he hopes the milestone will result in "continuing faithfulness and to inspire society worthy of devoutness, dignity and aspirations."
10:29 AM: Pope Francis delivers his speech
"I thank you Mr. President for your kind welcome. I am most grateful for your invitation to visit the Philippines," said the pontiff.
10: 20 AM: Aquino hits Church silence during previous administration
"Hence, there was a true test of faith when many members of the Church, once advocates for the poor, the marginalized, and the helpless, suddenly became silent in the face of the previous administration’s abuses," said Aquino.
10:15 AM: Pope and President end closed-door meeting
- Pope Francis and Aquino emerge from the President's hall and head to Rizal Hall for a program. Spotted at the Rizal Hall are former presidents Joseph Estrada and Fidel Ramos.
9:40 AM: Pope Francis and President Aquino in private meeting
- Pope Francis is led to the President's hall for a private meeting with Aquino. Agenda has not been disclosed but they may discuss issues on poverty.
9:35 AM: Pope is inside the palace
- Pope Francis drinks a glass of water and uses a towel. He then signed the official guestbook.
9: 33 AM: Pope blesses children while marching towards the Palace
- Children of government employees get blessings from the pontiff.
9:27 AM: Cabinet officials greet Pope Francis
- The pontiff gets bows and kisses on the hand from members of Aquino's Cabinet. Aquino meanwhile greets members of the papal delegation
9:22 AM: Aquino welcomes the pontiff
- President Aquino personally welcomed Pope Francis at the Malacanang grounds
9:19 AM: Pope Francis inches closer to Malacanang
- A 21-gun salute awaits the pontiff for the traditional welcome at the Palace.
09:03 AM: The papal convoy approaches the street leading to Malacanang where he's expected to meet the President, members of the diplomatic corps and the first family.
08:57 AM: Pope Francis greets the thick crowd awaiting him on the streets of Manila.
Pope rolls down the window. Photo screenshot from RTVM.
08:52 AM: The Pope rides a small enclosed vehicle (Volkswagen) on his way from the Apostolic Nunciature to the Palace.
08:48 AM: Honor guards in Malacanang prepare for the arrival of Pope Francis on the Day 2 of his state and pastoral visit to the Philippines. The Holy Father is scheduled to do a courtesy call on President Benigno Aquino III at 9:15 AM, Friday.