Pope Francis's Schedule in the Philippines

The entire Catholic community in the Philippines is again in a state of euphoria because Pope Francis arrived in the Philippines today for a five-day pastoral visit.  Pope Francis will be in the Philippines until January 19.  Pope Francis is the third Pope to visit the Philippine Islands.  The first was Pope Paul VI in 1970, Pope John Paul II, who came to the Philippines twice in 1981 and 1995, during the World Youth Day and Pope Francis, the current Pope. Pope Francis is known as the Pope of 'firsts' because Pope Francis's leadership is non-traditional, going beyond and against the normally practiced traditions/dogmas.  He is also the first non-European Pope, being that he is from Argentina, but he is of Italian ancestry.  He also is the first Pope to use the name Francis, from St. Francis of Assisi.   

Because of security concerns, there are many guidelines that the police and other government leaders have imposed in order to prevent any untoward incidences from occurring during the visit of the Pope here.  Anyone who wishes to see the Pope in his engagements are asked to bring as little as possible and be transparent.  Meaning, the less items to inspect will make the flow of entry for greeters smoother and use transparent bags, if you should need to bring anything.  So that you can be updated and know the whereabouts of the Pope in the Philippines, please refer to the schedule at the bottom: 

January 15, Thursday

5:45 Arrival at Villamor Air Base in Manila.  President Aquino and members of his cabinet will welcome the Pope.

-Motorcade to his official residence at the Apostolic Nunciature in Taft Avenue.

January 16, Friday

09:15 am - Welcome ceremony at the Malacanang Palace

10:15 am- Meeting with officials and diplomatic corps at the Rizal Ceremonial Hall of the Presidential Palace.

11:15 am- Holy mass with bishops, priests and other religious orders at the Manila Cathedral

05:30 pm- Meeting with families (pre-selected by Philippine diocese) at Mall of Asia Arena

Best vantage point:  Intramuros to MOA Arena for his motorcade.

January 17, Saturday

08:15 am- Departure from Manila to Tacloban

09:30 am- Arrival at the airport of Tacloban

10:00 am- Holy mass near Tacloban International Airport

12:45 pm- Lunch with some of the survivors of typhoon Yolanda at the Archbishop's Residence in Palo, Leyte.

03:00 pm- Blessing of the Pope Francis Center for the poor

03:30 pm- Meeting with the priests, seminarians and families of the survivors at the Cathedral of Palo, Leyte

05:00 pm- Departure from Tacloban to Manila

06:15 pm- Arrival at Villamor Air Base in Manila

January 18, Sunday

09:45 am- Brief meeting with the religious leaders of the Philippines at the Pontifical University in Santo Tomas in Manila.

10:30 am- Meeting with the youth at the Sports Field of the UST

03:30 pm- Holy Mass at the Quirino Grandstand, Rizal Park in Manila

Best vantage point: UST grounds (Gates 5 and 6 are designated for participants:  The general public can stay at the designated areas, please enter at Gates 10 and 11.  Gates open at 4 am.)

Periphery of Rizal Park, where Pope Francis will also reportedly hold a short motorcade before starting the mass.

January 19, Monday

09:45 am- Send-off ceremony at the Presidential Pavilion of Villamor Air Base in Manila.

10:00 am- Departs for Rome

05:40 pm- Pope arrives at the airport of Rome/Ciampino