Thursday, 15 January 2015

Five ways Filipino Catholics are broadcasting their devotion to Pope Francis

A papal welcome.

The world’s largest Catholic nation, the Philippines, greets Pope Francis today as he begins a five-day visit to one of the world’s fastest growing as well as changing nations. In addition to being home to 80 million Catholic, the Philippines is also a social media capital. Some 86% of Philippine residents use Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and other platforms. Naturally, there has been an outpouring online, as well as on the streets of Manila, ahead of the papal visit today. Here are some of the ways they are showing their devotion:


1. Selfies


Those that can’t beat the crowds to actually see Pope Francis are posing with cut outs and other incarnations of him instead. Some schools in Manila have set up selfie booths to encourage students to celebrate the visit.


Instagram Photo


Instagram Photo


Instagram Photo


2. A papal app


Local bishops have created an app for people to share photos, send messages to the pope, track his whereabouts, or post on a “prayer wall.”




The faithful can leave messages on the “prayer wall’ of the “People’s Pope” app.

3. Commemorative everything



Filipina Flor, 20, holds her son Vincent as she tries to sell souvenirs along the Pope Francis motorcade route in Manila, Philippines, Thursday, Jan. 15, 2015.

Filipina Flor, 20, holds her son Vincent as she tries to sell souvenirs along the Pope Francis motorcade route in Manila, Philippines, Thursday, Jan. 15, 2015.(AP Photo/Wally Santana)


A worker shows commemorative coins with the portrait of Pope Francis during a news conference at the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (Central Bank of the Philippines) in Manila January 14, 2015. The 50-peso ($1.12) commemorative coin for Pope Francis is made of Nickel Brass while the 500-peso ($11.21) is made of Nordic Gold with gold plating. Pope Francis is scheduled to visit the Philippines from January 15-19.

Commemorative coins for Pope Francis.(Reuters/Romeo Ranoco)



A “Pope Francis Philippines Visit 2015 Commemorative Resin Bust” for sale on Amazon for $31.33.(Amazon)

Instagram Photo


4. Waiting, waiting….and waiting to greet him


City authorities have recommended police and others to wear adult diapers as they spend hours waiting for a glimpse of the pope.



Members of the Philippine National Police (PNP) stand guard in front of well-wishers waiting along a main street for the arrival of Pope Francis in Manila

Members of the Philippine National Police (PNP) stand guard in front of well-wishers waiting along a main street for the arrival of Pope Francis in Manila(Reuters/Romeo Ranoco)

Instagram Photo


Instagram Photo


5. Personal notes and requests


Instagram Photo


Instagram Photo




Five ways Filipino Catholics are broadcasting their devotion to Pope Francis

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