MANILA, Philippines - A 16,000-strong crowd on Friday greeted Pope Francis inside the SM Mall of Asia (MOA) Arena on the second day of his visit in the Philippines.
After holding a Mass at the Manila Cathedral and visiting former street children from Tulay ng Kabataan Foundation, Pope Francis hopped on the popemobile once more to head to SM MOA Arena for the meeting of families. He was once again greeted by huge crowds in and outside the arena.
The pope stopped by outside the arena to bless a child from the crowd, before he was greeted by the Sy family, SM owners, at the arena's entrance.
An ecstatic crowd greeted the pope, who took time blessing Filipino faithful from all walks of life including children, the sick and the elderly.
People from the crowd took turns kissing the pope's hand, while others asked for him to bless their rosaries, religious images and sculptures.
Pope Francis is scheduled to meet victims of typhoon Yolanda in Tacloban on Saturday.