Tagle hoping Pinoy compassion may inspire Pope Francis

MANILA, Philippines - Manila Archbishop Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle yesterday expressed hope that Pope Francis would be inspired by the Filipinos’ display of mercy and compassion during the papal visit next year.

At the end of the more than one-hour recollection for members of the media and committees involved in preparations for the pope’s apostolic and state visit from Jan. 15 to 19 next year, Cardinal Tagle said that he is hoping that it would not only be the Filipinos who would learn about mercy and compassion, but the Pontiff as well.

“Mercy and compassion” would be the theme of Pope Francis’ five-day visit.

Tagle, who just arrived from Rome, mentioned that in an interview with Radio Vaticana last week he was asked what is it that he is hoping for, “and I told them that one of my hopes is that it would not only be Pope Francis who would bring mercy and compassion to Filipinos.

“(But) I am hoping that the pope would also be inspired and learn from the Filipinos and that he would see how Filipinos demonstrate their mercy and how we show compassion to others. The pope will come not only as a teacher but also as someone in need of inspiration. Let us inspire him,” he added.

Tagle said that the pope also said he is hoping that Jesus Christ, and not him, would be the focus of the visit.

He said that during Advent, the faithful should not lose sight of Christ as the center of the season, a season “filled with hope and expectation.”

Meanwhile, Pasig Bishop Mylo Hubert Vergara, head of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) Commission on Mass Media, also said they are expecting bishops from some Asian countries to be present during the papal visit.

Bishop Cornelius Sim of the Apostolic Vicariate of Brunei is one of the Asian bishops who will be flying to Manila.

Cardinal’s advice

Tagle had earlier advised politicians not to use the visit of Pope Francis for political gain.

Tagle, committee chairman of the papal visit 2015, urged politicians not to include their pictures or names in the banners and streamers that would be put up to welcome the pope in January to boost their candidacy in the 2016 elections.

The visit of Pope Francis, who has endeared himself to many Filipinos because of his simplicity, humility and acceptance of people regardless of race and religion, is most anticipated next year from Jan. 15 to 19.

Tagle said while there is nothing wrong with putting up banners to welcome the pope, the gesture should be done with the best intentions.

“It is not wrong for local communities to show their own ways to welcome the pope. We Filipinos have buntings and streamers and others. First, let us not be extravagant in our welcome preparations, we all know that the Holy Father is appealing for simplicity and what is the call of the times. We can be hospitable in a way that is warm and simple,” said Tagle.

He also appealed to the public to maintain cleanliness and orderliness. “Let us take care of the environment.”

“This is a spiritual and pastoral visit of the pope. We welcome him being Pastor of the Church. Let us respect the nature of his visit. My appeal is that for those who would be conceptualizing his welcome, let us not use the occasion for other motivation. As other people say, if for their self-promotion or maybe it would be used to start their personal campaign. Use the name of the church not to draw attention to yourself,” Tagle pointed out.