Papal visit has huge impact on PHL — Palace

Crowd awaiting Pope Francis outside the Manila Cathedral during the high mass.

MANILA  — Malacanang said Thursday that Pope Francis’ visit to the Philippines will have a huge impact to the country and its people.

Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. described the Papal visit a “very high-impact event.”

“The presence of a Pope in our country always brings on a spiritual renewal, a feeling of tremendous inspiration, because it is not every day that we are visited by the Vicar of Christ and especially coming at a time when we are dealing with many challenges,” he said in a press briefing.

“And we have a Pope that is able to give us enlightenment and guidance on how to discern what appropriate responses we could make in light of these challenges,” Coloma added.

The PCOO chief said the Papal visit also provides an opportunity for every Filipino, including the country’s leaders, to renew their faith.

“…I think (this) will provide a good opportunity for Filipinos and especially our leaders to be more discerning, to be more reflective and to be more considerate of the values that are indicated by the two concepts of mercy and compassion,” he said.

Pope Francis’ trip to the Philippines focuses on theme “Mercy and Compassion.” The Pope has arrived in Manila for a five-day state and pastoral visit.

Coloma said the Papal visit can also impact on the country’s economic policy.

”I see that in the coming years, even our economic policy, will amplify on the present focus on inclusive growth, more than just attaining bigger GDP (gross domestic product) numbers. We are now more focused on establishing a more equitable and a more just society,” he said.

”So that would have definite implications on the political reforms that need to be looked at after this season of grace as it where. Grace from apostolic journey brought on by the Pope’s visit,” he added.