By Joann Santiago
MANILA, Jan 15 (PNA) — Pope Francis arrived at Villamor Airbase in Pasay City around 5:32 p.m. (local time) Thursday on board Sri Lankan Airlines flight ALK 4111 for his five-day State and Pastoral visit to the Philippines.
President Benigno Aquino III led the officials who welcomed the Pontiff, who came directly from a three-day trip in Sri Lanka.
The Pontiff will have a motorcade along Roxas Boulevard on his way to the Apostolic Nunciature along Taft Avenue, Manila where he will spend his first night in the country.
The Apostolic Nunciature serves as the official quarters of all visitors from the Vatican.
On Friday morning, the Pope will have a courtesy visit in Malacanang, where he will also have a meeting with government officials and the diplomatic corps at the Rizal Ceremonial Hall.
He will then officiate a mass at the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception in Manila before lunch.
In the afternoon, the Pope is scheduled to meet families at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
On Saturday, the Pontiff will fly to Tacloban in the morning and will lead a mass at the Tacloban International Airport.
He will have lunch with some survivors of Typhoon Yolanda at the Archbishop Residence in Palo, bless the Pope Francis Center for the Poor and possible visit at the mass grave for typhoon “Yolanda” (Haiyan) survivors.
He is also scheduled to meet with some “Yolanda” survivors, priests, seminarians and families at the Cathedral of Palo.
On Sunday, Pope Francis will meet with religious leaders and some youth groups at the Pontifical University of Santo Tomas before holding a mass at the Rizal Park in Manila.
The Pope will leave for Rome Monday morning from the Villamor Airbase. (PNA)