Travelers advised to leave home early during papal visit

MANILA, Philippines - Travelers passing through domestic and international airports when Pope Francis arrives on Jan. 15, when he flies to Tacloban City on Jan. 17, and when he returns to Rome on Jan. 19 have been advised to leave home early.

Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. said the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) and the Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) have issued advisories that the airports would be no-fly zones on these dates, although Francis will land and take off at Villamor Air Base in Pasay City.

“We are calling on the public who will be using the airports to extend more the lead time of their travel, especially on those dates where the Pope will be using the airport,” he said.

Coloma said access roads to and from these airports will also be closed to vehicular traffic.

“It would be a big help if all of us will coordinate and follow the authorities,” he said. “Let’s help each other to ensure that the Pope’s visit will be peaceful and orderly.” 

Speaking over state-run dzRB radio, Coloma said the visit of Pope Francis is probably the most important event in the predominantly Catholic Philippines this year.

“The Holy Father is the leader of the Catholic Church,” he said in Filipino.

“He is respected and considered the inspiration of the Catholic faithful. Followers of other religions also respect him. He gives inspiration to people on the proper way of life and thinking.” 

Pope Francis musical

The musical “I Love Pope Francis” will be staged at the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) in Pasay City on Jan. 17.

Andy Alviz, the musical director, said the musical will be staged at the CCP for about 1,000 Filipino and Asian bishops who will welcome Pope Francis to the Philippines.

The musical depicts how Francis is bringing the teachings of Jesus Christ to the world.

It has been staged many times to a full house in Angeles City.

Alviz and Pampanga Auxiliary Bishop Pablo Virgilio David said the CCP leg of the play was through the efforts of Maria Mercedes Tuason, the Philippine ambassador to the Holy See.