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We’re glad Pinoys made him feel welcome.
“Vatican spokesperson Fr. Federico Lombardi said that based on estimates he has received, around 6 million to 7 million people gathered to show their devotion to Pope Francis,” reports Jon Carlos Rodriguez on ABS-CBNnews.com.
The report noted: “Pope Francis celebrated Mass at the Quirino Grandstand in front of more than 3 million devotees, with millions more filling the streets to catch a glimpse of the Pope in his trip from the Apostolic Nunciature to Luneta Park.”
The mass lasted two hours.
In a press conference held Sun night, Jan 18, Lombardi was quoted as saying, “We have seen so many people that we believe it is possible that this is the largest event of the history of the Pope. It was a wonderful celebration. I have to say it was very well prepared and the music was wonderful.”
Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle also said that “the Pope himself was overwhelmed by the sheer number of people who went out to give praise.” Tagle recalled, “He was mesmerized. He kept asking, ‘How many people are here?’ He said, ‘I cannot fathom the faith of simple people.’ It’s really not about him, he was very attentive and he has this capacity to marvel and be touched by the faith of the people.”
Photo: Philippine Air Force (via ABS-CBNnews.com)
