Pope Francis leaves Tacloban ahead of schedule due to Typhoon Amang

TACLOBAN CITY - Pope Francis will depart at 1PM today for Manila due to inclement weather caused by Typhoon Amang. Tacloban is currently under Signal Warning No. 2. The Pope apologized to the religious leaders as he advised them that he had to leave early.

UPDATE: Pope Francis safely arrived in Manila around 2 p.m. The 78-year-old pontiff was flown back to the capital by a Philippine Airlines Airbus A320. High-ranking officials of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine National Police awaited him.  Members of the military and their families also welcomed the Catholic pontiff, who is on its third of a five-day state and pastoral visit to the Philippines. 

WATCH: LIVE STREAMING Pope Francis Bound for Manila




Pope Francis is set to officiate a mass tomorrow, January 18 at the Quirino Grand Stand in Luneta. The said event is expected to be attended by 6 Million devotees.

UPDATED: Pope Francis Tweeted in Tagalog!

MANILA, Philippines - His Holiness Pope Francis is on its third day of his five-day apostolic visit in the Philippines. He celebrated mass yesterday morning with bishops, priests and religious members of the Philippine Catholic Church. In the afternoon, Pope Francis celebrated mass with pre-selected families where he discussed the importance of family in the society. He also tweeted about it in Tagalog. 

Ang pamilya ay ang pinakamahalagang kayamanan ng isang bansa. Naway pagsikapan nating ipagtanggol at patatagin itong pundasyon ng lipunan.
— Pope Francis (@Pontifex) January 16, 2015

In English,

The family is the greatest treasure of any country. Let us all work to protect and strengthen this, the cornerstone of society.
— Pope Francis (@Pontifex) January 16, 2015

The Pope also expressed His admiration to the Filipino Catholic Church.

Ang Pilipinas ay patunay ng kabataan at kasiglahan ng Simbahan.
— Pope Francis (@Pontifex) January 16, 2015

In English,

The Philippines bear witness to the youthfulness and vitality of the Church.
— Pope Francis (@Pontifex) January 16, 2015

Pope is currently at Palo, Leyte where He condoled Typhoon Yolanda Victims. 


UPDATE:  Pope Francis tweeted again in Tagalog!

Ang kahabagan ng Diyos, ang kanyang sakripisyo, ay nagbibigay saysay at halaga sa lahat ng ating paghihirap.
— Pope Francis (@Pontifex) January 17, 2015

In English,

The com-passion of God, his suffering-with-us, gives meaning and worth to our struggles and our sufferings.
— Pope Francis (@Pontifex) January 17, 2015

Bilang Kristiyano, miyembro ng pamilya ng Diyos, tinatawag tayo upang hanapin at paglingkuran ang lahat ng mga nangangailangan.
— Pope Francis (@Pontifex) January 18, 2015

In English,

We who are Christians, members of God’s family, are called to go out to the needy and to serve them.
— Pope Francis (@Pontifex) January 18, 2015

Madalas nating makalimutang pagtuunan ng pansin ang mga bagay na talagang mahalaga. Nakakalimutan natin na tayo'y Anak ng Diyos.
— Pope Francis (@Pontifex) January 18, 2015

In English,

How often we forget to dedicate ourselves to that which truly matters! We forget that we are children of God.

— Pope Francis (@Pontifex) January 18, 2015

LIVE STREAMING: POPE FRANCIS HAS ARRIVED!

MANILA, Philippines - His Holiness Pope Francis has arrived to the Philippines!

WATCH: LIVE STREAMING courtesy of GMA NEWS.


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'PAPAL VISIT' 2015 Philippines Ofiicial Theme Song

MANILA, Philippines - His Holiness Pope Francis is set to arrive in the country this week. If you are planning to attend the mass to be held at the Luneta Park this coming Sunday, January 18 you have to watch the action video below. The church encourages us to memorize the lyrics and actions of the official theme song "We Are All God's Children" sang by Ms. Jamie Rivera with The Hail Mary the Queen Children's Choir.

WATCH: We Are All God's Children ACTION VIDEO

LYRICS of We Are All God's Children

  









Do you see these children on the streets?
Have you walked the pavements where they sleep?
Do you feel their hands when you give them alms?
Did you ever give them bread to eat?
Have you seen their homes washed by the floods?
While a mother tightly holds her child
Do you hear the wind of the raging storm?
Can you tell them where it's coming from?
Let us show our love and mercy
With true kindness and humility
For the God loves the weak and the needy
Just like you and me
We are all God's children we are all the same
He is calling us by name to help the poor and lame
And learn what life is really for
It's to know and love and serve the Lord

Stand together and let's do our part
Hear their voices mend their broken hearts
Choose to be brave fight for their rights
Give them back their honor and their pride
Please do not be blind and just leave them behind
To struggle in darkness or give them empty promises
We are all God's children we are all the same
He is calling us by name to help the poor and lame
And learn what life is really for
It's to know and love and serve the Lord
It's to know and love and serve the Lord
It's to know and love and serve the Lord 

Download the MP3 here.