Pope Francis' visit to the Philippines from January 15–19, 2015 with the theme "Mercy and Compassion". It is the first state and pastoral visit to the Philippines in the 21st century and the third pontiff to visit our country after Pope Paul VI (November, 1970) and Pope John Paul II in "World Youth Day" last January 1995. 

The pope visited Manila then to Tacloban and Palo, Leyte as part of his main agenda, to pay a visit to the victims of Typhoon Haiyan (Yolanda). Pope Francis celebrated an outdoor Mass during his last full day visit in Manila Grandstand. An estimated of six million people attended the ceremony or lined the Papal route to Rizal Park. That would be a record for a papal event. About five million welcomed Pope John Paul II in Manila in 1995.

ARJ-PHILIPPINES 10965Pope Francis' visit to the Philippines from January 15–19, 2015, is the first state and pastoral visit of Pope Francis to the Philippines.

Pope Francis inside Popemobile on his way to Mall of Asia Arena

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"Mercy and Compassion"

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 Waiting for Pope Francis

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Along Quirino Avenue, on his arrival.

ARJ-PHILIPPINES 10958Pope Francis' visit to the Philippines from January 15–19, 2015, is the first state and pastoral visit of Pope Francis to the Philippines.

The Spectator, using his binocular toy.

ARJ-PHILIPPINES 10975Pope Francis' visit to the Philippines from January 15–19, 2015, is the first state and pastoral visit of Pope Francis to the Philippines.

Looking at Pope Souvenir Calendar

ARJ-PHILIPPINES 10988Pope Francis' visit to the Philippines from January 15–19, 2015, is the first state and pastoral visit of Pope Francis to the Philippines.

Shooting the Pope

ARJ-PHILIPPINES 10996Pope Francis' visit to the Philippines from January 15–19, 2015, is the first state and pastoral visit of Pope Francis to the Philippines.

Philippines, welcomes Pope Francis

ARJ-PHILIPPINES 10960Pope Francis' visit to the Philippines from January 15–19, 2015, is the first state and pastoral visit of Pope Francis to the Philippines.

Pope visits the "TEXT" capital of the world.

ARJ-PHILIPPINES 10967Pope Francis' visit to the Philippines from January 15–19, 2015, is the first state and pastoral visit of Pope Francis to the Philippines.
Hundreds if not thousands of people everyday waiting outside Apostolic Nunciature in Manila during papal visit.

ARJ-PHILIPPINES 10990Pope Francis' visit to the Philippines from January 15–19, 2015, is the first state and pastoral visit of Pope Francis to the Philippines.

Last day, on his way to Manila International Airport back to Rome

* All photos are captured with the Olympus OM-D EM-5 M4/3 camera with 14-50mm lens.