In Pope's presence, Aquino takes swipe at critics from Church

MANILA, Philippines - In the presence of Pope Francis, President Benigno Aquino III on Friday hit back at some members of the Catholic Church who have criticized his leadership.

In his statement following a meeting with the pontiff, Aquino expressed his disappointment over the attacks of some clergymen who tolerated the wrongdoings of the Arroyo government.

"There 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's abuses, which we are still trying to rectify to this very day," Aquino said.

The President said the Church should be the government's ally as it tries to correct the errors of the previous administration.

"In contrast to their previous silence, some members of the clergy now seem to think that the way to be true to the faith means finding something to criticize, even to the extent that one prelate admonished me to do something about my hair, as if it were a mortal sin," he said.

Aquino then asked the Church to participate in effecting real change.

"If we are able to settle our differences, can we not benefit our people quicker?" he said.

In 2014, Aquino heaped criticisms from various sectors including the Church after the Supreme Court declared unconstitutional certain provisions of his Disbursement Acceleration Program.

Aquino was also widely attacked after fueling speculations that he would run for president again by amending the constitutional limit on the president's term.