MANILA — Filipino faithful gathered at the Antipolo Cathedral in Rizal and shared their excitement and expectation as a new leader of the Catholic Church was proclaimed after Pope Francis.
He is Robert Francis Cardinal Prevost, 69, and has chosen the papal name 'Leo XIV.'
Sara Ramirez Flores wishes that the new pope would visit the Philippines. Pope Francis' papal visit is significant to her as a mother because she gave birth during the arrival of the late pope in the country last 2015.
"Sana si Pope Leo makarating dito sa Pilipinas katulad kay Pope Francis. Mabait, makatao, magaling makasalamuha sa mga tao. Sana ganun din si Pope Leo," Flores said.
Criselda hopes that Pope Leo XIV extends his efforts to guide the youth who are facing mental health challenges.
"Sana ma-help niya po 'yung mga kabataan. Marami po kasing kabataan ngayon na nade-depress. Sana po ma-help niya at ma-guide niya po," she mentioned.
Another faithful, Christian Pita, expects the new pope to fuel the faith of other Catholics who do not go to church anymore.
"Sana 'yung mga katoliko na hindi nagsisimba ay mahikayat niya ulit na bumalik, magsimba ulit," Pita said.
Elisa Castillo and Victoria Naval hope that Pope Leo will continue the legacy of the late Pope Francis, especially his heart for the poor.
"Sana parang 'yung pope na dati, siya eh maano sa mundo, sa mga simbahan, maasikaso siya, sa mga mahihirap din na natulungan ni dating pope," Castillo mentioned.
"Sana 'yung ginawa ni John Paul II, ni Pope Francis, tuloy-tuloy pa rin para ang mga Katoliko ay manumbalik ang pananampatalaya sa Diyos," Naval said.
Filipinos recount personal encounters with Pope Leo XIV in the Philippines
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