With overflowing praise and endless thanksgiving and gratitude to GOD, the Philippine Embassy and the Filipino Communities in New Zealand, Samoa, Fiji, Cook Islands and Tonga join the Philippine Government and the Filipino People in expressing our heartfelt gratitude to HIS HOLINESS POPE FRANCIS whose State and Pastoral Visit to the Philippines on 15-19 January 2015 was indescribably moving, meaningful, momentous and memorable. His message of “Mercy and Compassion”, very much evident in his words and actions embodies the heartbeat and teachings of OUR LORD and SAVIOUR JESUS CHRIST. As the Vicar of CHRIST, Pope Francis’ presence, inspiration, consolation, simplicity, humility, heart for the poor, the needy and the marginalized were received, applauded, admired by, moved to tears and action and etched in the hearts and minds of a record number of 6 – 8 million people in the Philippines.

We stand in solidarity with President Benigno S. Aquino III, our government leaders, agencies, church groups, media, volunteers, organizations and the entire Filipino people who carried out their respective roles and responsibilities with wholehearted dedication, devotion and sacrifice to ensure the success, safety and security of Pope Francis. The Filipinos’ ardent Christian Faith and recognized “Bayanihan” spirit, warm hospitality and generosity of hearts continue to shine brightly on our beloved country and people.

TELEGRAM SENT BY POPE FRANCIS TO PRESIDENT BENIGNO S. AQUINO III

Philippines – 19 January 2015 HIS EXCELLENCY BENIGNO AQUINO PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES MANILA

AS I DEPART FROM THE PHILIPPINES, I EXTEND TO YOU, THE GOVERNMENT AND ALL THE PEOPLE OF THE NATION MY HEARTFELT GRATITUDE FOR YOUR WARM WELCOME AND EVERY KINDNESS SHOWN TO ME DURING MY VISIT. I RENEW TO YOUR EXCELLENCY AND THE ENTIRE COUNTRY THE ASSURANCE OF MY PRAYERS FOR PEACE AND PROSPERITY. FRANCISCUS PP

Source: Vatican Radio (http://en.radiovaticana.va/news/2015/01/19/pope_francis_sends_telegrams_to_heads_ofstate/1118873)

POPE FRANCIS CONCLUDES TRIP TO THE PHILIPPINES 2015-01-19 Vatican Radio

(Vatican Radio) Pope Francis left Manila on Monday morning, after a weeklong trip to Asia which took him to Sri Lanka and the Philippines. Hundreds of thousands of Filipinos lined the streets of Manila to catch a final glimpse of the Holy Father as he went to the airport.

Pope Francis drew over 6 million to his final Mass in Manila’s Luneta Park on Sunday, the largest crowd for a Papal event in history.

At a press conference after the Pope’s departure, the Archbishop of Manila, Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle said everyone in the Philippines was “overwhelmed right now with thanksgiving and gratitude to God” for the trip, and were “challenged” by Pope Francis to face problems such as inequality in the country.

“The priest, religious, the lay, all of us got the message clearly,” said Cardinal Tagle. “We will call on everyone to put this message into action.”

He added that the papal message on bridging the gap between the rich and poor is “not just for Christians but for all.”

Cardinal Tagle also said Pope Francis is challenging the culture to not blindly accept every novelty.

“I think the Holy Father is also inviting us to be discerning and to be critical,” he said.

“Not everything new is necessarily good. Here I think the Christian spirituality of discernment can be handy,” continued the Cardinal. “How do we immerse ourselves in the World of God, in prayer, in the teachings of the Church, and with that deep resource How do you address the changes in the world?”

Cardinal Tagle said when speaking privately with Pope Francis, the Holy Father said one solid foundation is popular religiosity.

“He said it is the simple faith that makes people survive the changes in society,” said Cardinal Tagle.

Bishop Mylo Vergara, the head of the Communications Committee of the Philippines Bishops Conference, said the trip was full of surprises.

“You have witnessed how he did not read the prepared homilies,” Bishop Vergara said, calling it the “homily of the heart”. He also mentioned the events on Saturday in Tacloban, as a Tropical Storm approached the area.

“I think it is also a first that he wore a raincoat,” he said.

It was also confirmed at the press conference that the Bishops have invited Pope Francis to return to the Philippines next year for the International Eucharistic Congress in Cebu.

Source: Vatican Radio (http://en.radiovaticana.va/news/2015/01/19/pope_francis_concludes_trip_to_the_philippines/1118865)

STATEMENT OF SECRETARY EDWIN LACIERDA:

On the conclusion of the state and pastoral visit of Pope Francis [Released on January 19, 2015]

This morning, Pope Francis departed for Rome after concluding his first State and Pastoral Visit to the Philippines.

Throughout the Pope’s stay in our country, the affection of His Holiness for the Filipino people was truly evident—whether in his gatherings in Manila or Tacloban; in his official functions and unexpected interactions; and in every opportunity he used to bring the consolation of faith to the marginalized in our society. His Holiness’ presence likewise brought together peoples of various faiths and backgrounds. In all the Pope’s events, the Filipino people demonstrated warmth, discipline, and faith, making Pope Francis’ visit truly meaningful and successful.

We thank our countrymen for their solidarity in ensuring the safety of the Pope: From the thousands who patiently lined the route of the papal motorcade; to the organizations that encouraged mindfulness and helped maintain order during the public engagements of the Pope; and to the millions who participated in the papal activities. We recognize the dedication of the different church groups that worked hand-in-hand with government. Their cooperation, as they kept in mind advisories for all the events, contributed to fostering an organized and peaceful papal visit.

We also thank the media for playing a vital role in the dissemination of relevant information and for promoting government-issued advisories, as well as the telecommunications companies for their cooperation in ensuring security for all and advising the public accordingly.

We finally thank the members of lead government agencies for effectively carrying out their tasks during this historic visit: from the thousands of police on the ground, the Presidential Security Group and the Armed Forces of the Philippines, and to the many law-enforcement and government personnel that provided necessary support throughout the Pope’s visit. The gratitude of the Filipino people extends to those not directly involved with the Pope’s security—those who manned different posts, as their colleagues were reassigned to safeguard the welfare of Pope Francis and of the many who came out to see him.

Without doubt, on this occasion, the Filipino people once more showed what could be achieved when we work towards a unified endeavor.

Source – Official Gazette (http://www.gov.ph/2015/01/19/statement-the-presidential-spokesperson-on-the-conclusion-of-the-state-and-apostolic-visit-of-pope-francis/)