Yahoo Southeast Asia Newsroom – 11 hours ago
Day 5: Final blessing for Filipinos as Pope flies back to Rome
The well-loved pontiff flies back to Rome 10 AM Monday, leaving behind millions of emotionally high and faithfully recharged Filipinos.
Before boarding the plane, Pope Francis gave the crowd at Villamor Air base a final blessing.
Pope Francis touched millions of lives with his simple wave, contagious smile, and heartwarming messages of love and hope. He discussed issues on corruption, sanctity of family, caring for the poor and the children, respecting women, among others.
The pontiff began his 5-day state and pastoral visit with a rockstar welcome at the Villamor Air base, followed by days packed with crowd-filled motorcades, scheduled and surprise meetings with religious leaders, street children, and government officials, among others.
Pope Francis also comforted victims and survivors of typhoon Yolanda, and then blessed graves of the people who perished in the calamity.
The highlight of his trip, the pontiff's Holy Mass at Quirino grandstand, set a record for being the biggest papal event, with an estimated 6 million attendees.
Malacanang believes the visit was without a glitch, attributing the success of the event to Filipinos’ show of discipline and government preparations.
10:12 AM: Plane takes off
- Pope Francis is now Rome-bound, leaving Filipinos with a multitude of emotions: extreme joy and gratitude for seeing the pontiff, and sadness as the charismatic pope leaves.
9:49 AM: Pope Francis boards Italy-bound Philippine Airlines plane
- Pope Francis blesses his guards in the Philippines before boarding the Airbus 340 plane. He was also greeted by the pilots and flight attendants upon reaching the plane.
With Pope Francis on the chartered plane are Church officials such as Cardinals and Archbishops from Rome and Vatican-accredited members of the media.
9:46 AM: Pope gives Tagle a loving pat
- Cardinal Luis Tagle is among the last to hug and bid the pope goodbye. He gets a loving pat on the back from the pontiff.
9:44 AM: Pope bids Bishops, Cardinals goodbye
- Pope hugs Church officials waiting by the red carpet at the tarmac of Villamor Air base.
9:40 AM: Pope Francis receives kisses at the airport
- Pope Francis converses with people waiting for him at Villamor Air base.
9:33 AM: President Aquino leads send-off to Pope Francis
- The president welcomes Pope Francis at Villamor Air base as authorities prepare for departure honors.
9:30 AM: Pope stops popemobile at Villamor Airbase gate
- Pope briefly stops his vehicle and kisses children. He also blessed well-wishers.
9:29 AM: Love live, Pope Francis!
- Well-wishers along papal route shout "Mabuhay ka, Pope Francis!" and "Mahal ka namin." On Twitter, netizens wish Pope Francis a safe flight and a long life with #LonglivePopeFrancis.
9:25 AM: Pinoys bid Pope Francis goodbye
'We will miss him" and "Thank you" are among the most common expressions as Filipinos give Pope Francis an unforgettable send-off.
9:06 AM: Making the most out of last motorcade
- A slower motorcade for Pope Francis' last day in the Philippines.
9:04 AM: Pope leaves official Manila residence
Pope Francis inches his way out of Apostolic Nunciature while on board popemobile. Thousands cheer for the pontiff.
8:30 AM: A Pope well-loved
On Twitter, #WelovePopeFrancis is the top trending topic, as thousands of Filipinos prepare to give the pontiff a warm send-off.
7:41 AM: People fill up streets
Crowd builds up in the vicinity of Apostolic Nunciature for a last glimpse of Pope Francis.
7:00 AM: Final goodbye
Well-wishers flock along papal route to Villamor Air base for a final goodbye.