{"id":39445,"date":"2015-01-22T15:44:46","date_gmt":"2015-01-22T07:44:46","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/canadianinquirer.net\/v1\/?p=39445"},"modified":"2015-01-22T15:44:46","modified_gmt":"2015-01-22T07:44:46","slug":"lolo-kiko-the-peoples-pope","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/canadianinquirer.net\/v1\/2015\/01\/22\/lolo-kiko-the-peoples-pope\/","title":{"rendered":"Lolo Kiko: The People\u2019s Pope"},"content":{"rendered":"
\"PEOPLE'S<\/a>
PEOPLE’S POPE: Pope Francis makes an unpublicized visit to Tulay Ng Kabataan (TNK), an institution dedicated to helping street kids, after the High Mass at the Manila Cathedral on January 16, Friday. (CBCP News photo)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

When His Holiness Pope Francis found out what \u201cLolo Kiko\u201d meant, he insisted that Pinoys continue calling him Lolo Kiko.<\/p>\n

And after five days of an eventful Papal visit, it wasn\u2019t hard to refer to him like a familiar and endeared grandfather.<\/p>\n

\"His<\/a>
His Holiness Pope Francis takes leave of President Benigno S. Aquino III and boards the Papal Mobile after the arrival ceremony at the 250th PAW of the Villamor Airbase in Pasay City for the State Visit and Apostolic Journey to the Republic of the Philippines on Thursday afternoon (January 15, 2015). (Photo by Lauro Montellano Jr.\/ Malaca\u00f1ang Photo Bureau)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Day One: Tireless<\/strong>
\nWhen the Pope arrived on January 15, thousands of people lined the streets to welcome him and millions of people religiously followed every media coverage\u2014from the tarmac of Villamor Air Base to the Apostolic Nunciature in Manila where he will be staying, the streets were filled with faithfuls who waited for hours just for a glimpse of the Holy Father.<\/p>\n

From the almost five-hour flight from Sri Lanka, he swiftly disembarked the plane, and stood with President Noynoy Aquino for the national anthems and welcomed a long line of people waiting for him.<\/p>\n

Aboard his popemobile, he stood and smiled and waved to everyone one the streets all the way to his simple quarters in the Nunciature. His stamina was remarkable. Here is a 78-year-old pontiff, missing a lung and just recovering from a five-hour plane ride, and yet his face showed no sign of weariness or fatigue.<\/p>\n

Lolo Kiko is tireless.<\/p>\n

\"Pope<\/a>
Pope Francis visited Malaca\u00f1an Palace this morning for official welcoming ceremonies. The Pontiff and President Aquino delivered statements during a general audience of senior government officials and members of the Diplomatic Corps (Photo by the Malaca\u00f1ang Photo Bureau)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Day Two: Loving<\/strong>
\nOn his first morning in Manila on January 16th, he made his way to the Malacanang Palace for a welcome ceremony and a joint statement with the state leader.<\/p>\n

Battling the harsh Philippine sun that morning, Lolo Kiko stood with the President for the national anthem upon arrival. He then again welcomed a long line of cabinet members and Malacanang staff who eagerly waited for his historic arrival. After walking a long pathway towards the Palace, he climbed a set of stairs\u2014as swift as ever\u2014to the Music Room.<\/p>\n

\"Malacanang<\/a>
Malacanang Photo Bureau<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

He signed the Palace\u2019s guest book and wrote:<\/p>\n

\u201cOn the President and people of this beloved land of the Philippines, I ask Almighty God\u2019s abundant blessings of wisdom, discernment, prosperity and peace.<\/em>
\n16.1.2015<\/em>
\nFrancis<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

\"President<\/a>
President Benigno S. Aquino III witnesses as Pope Francis signs the Palace Guestbook (Malacanang Photo Bureau)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The President and Lolo Kiko exchanged gifts. From President Noy, a statue of the Virgin Mary the Undoer of Knots\u2014made from the wood of a fallen Acacia tree in the Palace when Typhoon \u2018Glenda\u2019 struck\u2014and the special commemorative Papal visit coins. From Lolo Kiko, a vintage Vatican City Atlas.<\/p>\n

READ: Pope Francis’ Speech at the Malacanan Palace<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

The two then took turns in sharing a joint speech in front of cabinet members, the media, and a few clergymen inside the Palace.<\/p>\n

\"Malacanang<\/a>
Malacanang Photo Bureau<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Lolo Kiko did not mince words and made sure he was straight to the point.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt is now, more than ever, necessary that political leaders be outstanding for honesty, integrity and commitment to the common good\u2026 Thus will they be able to marshall the moral resources needed to face the demands of the present, and to pass on to coming generations a society of authentic justice, solidarity and peace,\u201d he said in his speech.<\/p>\n

President Aquino\u2019s speech received mixed reviews, with some taking offense with some of his statements, like when he said, \u201cthere was a true test of faith when many members of the Church, once advocates for the poor, the marginalized, and the helpless, suddenly became silent in the face of the previous administration\u2019s abuses, which we are still trying to rectify to this very day.\u201d<\/p>\n

READ: President Aquino’s Joint Speech with Pope Francis<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

After the welcoming ceremonies and speeches in Malacanang, Lolo Kiko\u2014still exuberant and smiling\u2014went to the Manila Cathedral to lead the Holy Mass.<\/p>\n

\"His<\/a>
His Holiness Pope Francis prays for the holy communion during high mass at the Manila Cathedral, January 16, 2015.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Even his Homily was straightforward.<\/p>\n

For the clerics, he said, \u201cAs ambassadors for Christ, we, bishops, priests and religious, ought to be the first to welcome his reconciling grace into our hearts.\u201d<\/p>\n

For the Catholic community, he said, \u201cit also calls Christian communities to create \u201ccircles of integrity\u201d, networks of solidarity which can expand to embrace and transform society by their prophetic witness.\u201d<\/p>\n

READ: Pope Francis’ Homily at the Manila Cathedral<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

After the High Mass, he made an unpublicized visit to Tulay ng Kabataan (TNK), an institution dedicated to help street children. The kids inside TNK were given the freedom to get close to Lolo Kiko\u2014hugs and blessings and prayers were abundant. In the photos released by Vatican news agencies, Lolo Kiko looks refreshed\u2014smiling that infectious smile\u2014even more recharged for the afternoon\u2019s events.<\/p>\n

\"pope<\/a>
Pope Francis arrives at the SM MOA Arena<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

By 5:30 PM, he was at the Mall of Asia Arena for the \u2018Encounter with Families\u2019 event.<\/p>\n

Upon entering the arena holding over 18,000 people, Lolo Kiko\u2019s face lit up\u2014as if he saw his beloved family throwing him a surprise party.<\/p>\n

\"Pope<\/a>
Pope Francis prays for a sick infant with an oxygen tube at the Mall of Asia Arena.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The first thing Lolo Kiko did upon entering the arena was make a beeline for the elderly and the sick waiting for him in a specific area of the venue. He blessed and prayed for sick children and the elderly, sharing casual chit-chats in between.<\/p>\n

On stage, Lolo Kiko listened to the testimonies of three families\u2014even learning sign language in the process.<\/p>\n

\"Pope<\/a>
Pope Francis at the ‘Meeting with Families’ (Encounter with Families) event at the SM Mall of Asia Arena, January 16, Friday.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

\u201cIt is in the family that we first learn how to pray. There we come to know God, to grow into men and women of faith, to see ourselves as members of God\u2019s greater family, the Church,\u201d he said in his speech.<\/p>\n

\u201cIn the family we learn how to love, to forgive, to be generous and open, not closed and selfish. We learn to move beyond our own needs, to encounter others and share our lives with them. That is why it is so important to pray as a family!\u201d<\/p>\n

He emphasized the need for families to stay together\u2014especially in trying times of calamities and economic instability.<\/p>\n

READ: Pope Francis’ speech at ‘Encounter with Families’<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

\u201cEvery threat to the family is a threat to society itself,\u201d he reminded everyone. \u201cDo not hide your faith, do not hide Jesus, but carry him into the world and offer the witness of your family life!\u201d<\/p>\n

Known for being close to the poor and the afflicted, his gestures weren\u2019t new, but to see him in action is still a surprise. No matter how many articles we read about his kindness, mercy, and compassion, experiencing it is an entirely different story.<\/p>\n

Lolo Kiko is loving.<\/p>\n

\"Pope<\/a>
Pope Francis wears a yellow raincoat during the Holy Mass in Tacloban (Malacanang Photo Bureau)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Day Three: Compassionate<\/strong>
\nHis staff shared during the media briefing that no storm or typhoon will keep His Holiness from flying to the Haiyan-hit area in Leyte.<\/p>\n

Tropical storm \u2018Mekkhala\u2019 or local name \u2018Amang\u2019\u2014aptly meaning \u2018Father\u2019 in English\u2014was closing in on Visayas, so in the morning of January 17, Lolo Kiko flew to Tacloban City earlier than planned.<\/p>\n

\"Pope<\/a>
Pope Francis arrives in Tacloban (Malacanang Photo Bureau)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Upon landing at the Tacloban Airport, Lolo Kiko endured rains and winds. During his Holy Mass, he wore a yellow plastic raincoat just like the thousands of Visayans waiting for him and his Homily.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhen I saw from Rome that catastrophe I had to be here. And on those very days I decided to come here. I am here to be with you\u2014a little bit late, but I\u2019m here,\u201d Lolo Kiko said in Spanish. Msgr. Mark Miles helped to translate his mass in English.<\/p>\n

READ: Pope Francis’ Homily in Tacloban City<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

\u201cI have come to tell you that Jesus is Lord. And he never lets us down,\u201d Lolo Kiko said.<\/p>\n

\u201cSo many of you have lost everything. I don\u2019t know what to say to you\u2026 Some of you have lost part of your families. All I can do is keep silence and walk with you all with my silent heart\u2026 I have no more words for you. Let us look to Christ\u2026 He understands us because he underwent all the trials that we, that you, have experienced.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"Pope<\/a>
Pope Francis wearing a yellow raincoat during mass in Tacloban (Malacacang Photo Bureau)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The yellow raincoat may have kept their bodies dry, but their eyes were laden with tears at the Pope\u2019s words of love and encouragement.<\/p>\n

Lolo Kiko shared lunch with several survivors of Supertyphoon \u2018Haiyan\u2019 (\u2018Yolanda\u2019). In a press briefing, Archbishop Luis Antonio Tagle said that hearing the stories of the survivors and seeing them in person has \u201crendered the Pope speechless.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u2018Amang\u2019 was insistent and gathering strength as it moves closer to Tacloban, so Lolo Kiko\u2019s trip was cut short by about four hours.<\/p>\n

\"Pope<\/a>
Pope Francis visits a family of survivors in Tacloban (Malacacang Photo Bureau)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

After blessing the Pope Francis Center for the Poor and greeting the Palo Archbishop a happy birthday, the Pope \u2013 with a heavy heart \u2013 had to leave.<\/p>\n

\u201cI am sad about this, truly saddened,\u201d he said to the people gathered with him inside the Palo Cathedral.<\/p>\n

READ: Pope Francis’ undelivered speech in Palo, Leyte<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

Just as the full brunt of \u2018Amang\u2019 hit Leyte, the Papal plane \u2013 Shepherd One \u2013 landed safely at the Villamor Air Base in Pasay City.<\/p>\n

In Leyte, a VIP plane carrying several cabinet members had a mishap due to \u2018Amang\u2019 when it lost control and skidded off the Tacloban Airport runaway before take-off. No one was reported injured in the incident.<\/p>\n

\"Pope<\/a>
Pope Francis and Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle meet with the father of slain CRS volunteer Kristel Mae Pasadas, Mr. Paulino Padasas Jr. (Photo courtesy of Zenit News Agency via RTV Malacanang)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Also in Tacloban, \u2018Amang\u2019 claimed the life of a Catholic Relief Services volunteer. Kristel Mae Pasadas, 27, lost her life when the scaffolding built for the papal visit collapsed due to strong winds.<\/p>\n

In Manila, Pope Francis and Archbishop Tagle met Kristel\u2019s father, Paulino Pasadas, to express their condolences and gratitude for Kristel\u2019s service.<\/p>\n

Lolo Kiko is compassionate.<\/p>\n

Day Four: Understands<\/strong>
\nLolo Kiko has always been fond of young people \u2013 always citing their importance in the Catholic Church.<\/p>\n

On Sunday, January 18, he visited the Royal and Pontifical University of Santo Tomas for an \u2018Encounter with the Youth.\u2019<\/p>\n

Lolo Kiko, as usual, prepared a speech for the event, but after hearing the testimonials of former street children \u2013 particularly the tear-laden testimony of 12-year-old Glyzelle Palomar \u2013 he decided to go off the cuff.<\/p>\n

READ: Pope Francis’ speech at ‘Encounter with the Youth’ in UST<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

\u201cI am sorry I have not read the prepared remarks but reality is superior to ideas\u2026 And the reality you have is superior to the paper I have in front of me,\u201d he explained.<\/p>\n

In her testimony, Glyzelle asked the Leader of the Catholic Church why blameless children experience horrors like prostitution and poverty.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy does God allow this to happen?\u201d she asked Pope Francis in Filipino.<\/p>\n

Like a loving and beloved grandfather, Lolo Kiko gathered Glyzelle in his arms.<\/p>\n

\"Pope<\/a>
Pope Francis hugs and comforts two former street children during the ‘Encounter with the Youth’ event at the Royal and Pontifical University of Santo Tomas, January 18, Sunday. (Photo courtesy of Radio-Television Malacanang)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

\u201cShe is the only who has put a question for which there is no answer. And she wasn\u2019t able to express it in words but rather in tears,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

Lolo Kiko also asked the crowd why there\u2019s such a small amount of women present, and then shared his thoughts on women.<\/p>\n

\u201cBut women are capable of seeing things in a different angle from us, with a different eye. Women are able to pose questions that we, men, are not able to understand.”<\/p>\n

\u201cWhen the heart is able to ask itself and cry, then we can understand something,\u201d Pope Francis said. \u201c[The world] has a great lack of capacity of knowing how to cry.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt is only when Christ is able to cry that he understood what is going on in our lives\u2026 Certain realities in life are seen through eyes cleansed with tears.\u201d<\/p>\n

Lolo Kiko understands the importance of being real with your emotions.<\/p>\n

\"Pope<\/a>
Pope Francis arrives in Luneta for his concluding mass (Malacacang Photo Bureau)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

On Sunday afternoon, he led his concluding event at the Rizal Park where a record-breaking six million people attended the Holy Mass.<\/p>\n

Millions of faithfuls — again — endured the inclement weather to be with Lolo Kiko for his last mass in the country.<\/p>\n

READ: Pope Francis’ concluding Homily at Luneta<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

In his homily, Lolo Kiko emphasized the importance of keeping the faith in times of difficulties, showing genuine mercy and compassion to children and the poor, and reminding everyone that we are all God’s children.<\/p>\n

\"Pope<\/a>
Pope Francis leads the Holy Mass in Luneta (Malacanang Photo Bureau)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

“In these days, throughout my visit, I have listened to you sing the song: ‘We are all God\u2019s children.’ That is what the Santo Ni\u00f1o tells us. He reminds us of our deepest identity. All of us are God\u2019s children, members of God\u2019s family,” Lolo Kiko said.<\/p>\n

Lolo Kiko understands we have doubts and he is reminding us to stay true to our ‘deepest identity’ in Christ.<\/p>\n

\"Pope<\/a>
Pope Francis climbs aboard Shepherd One as he waves goodbye to Filipinos after his 5-day trip to the Philippines (Malacanang Photo Bureau)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Day Five: Missed<\/strong>
\nLike a beloved grandpa ready to go back home after a much awaited visit, many Filipinos didn\u2019t want him to leave.<\/p>\n

At around 10:50 AM on Monday, January 19, Lolo Kiko boarded Shepherd One and left for the Vatican.<\/p>\n

The streets were still full of people waving goodbye. On his face, that same tireless and infectious smile.<\/p>\n

Lolo Kiko will be missed.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

When His Holiness Pope Francis found out what \u201cLolo Kiko\u201d meant, he insisted that Pinoys continue calling him Lolo Kiko. …<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":44,"featured_media":38951,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1482,3],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-39445","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-breaking","category-lifestyle","mauthors-ching-dee","mauthors-philippine-canadian-inquirer"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/canadianinquirer.net\/v1\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/39445","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/canadianinquirer.net\/v1\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/canadianinquirer.net\/v1\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/canadianinquirer.net\/v1\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/44"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/canadianinquirer.net\/v1\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=39445"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/canadianinquirer.net\/v1\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/39445\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/canadianinquirer.net\/v1\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/38951"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/canadianinquirer.net\/v1\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=39445"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/canadianinquirer.net\/v1\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=39445"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/canadianinquirer.net\/v1\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=39445"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}