Remembering Pope Francis' visit to the Philippines

Pope Francis not only captivated the minds and hearts of millions of Filipinos when he set foot in the Philippines in 2015 but also through the power of his words.

- By ELLALYN DE VERA-RUIZ

His messages became a source of healing, reflection, and hope, resonating with the faithful, from the crowds in Manila to the survivors of Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan) in Tacloban City.

Here are some key moments from his Jan. 15-19 visit, where his words touched and left an indelible mark on the hearts of Filipinos.

Holy Mass at Manila Cathedral

In his homily at the Immaculate Conception Cathedral in Manila, Pope Francis reminded the clergy and religious that "all pastoral ministry is born of love."

He said that love is the foundation of every act of service, calling them to tend to their people with compassion and care.

He added that this love should be the driving force behind their ministry. He urged them to be "ambassadors for Christ," bringing others to a renewed, personal encounter with the Lord.

A key part of Pope Francis' message was the central role of the poor in the Gospel. "The poor are at the center of the Gospel, are at the heart of the Gospel. If we take away the poor from the Gospel, we can't understand the whole message of Jesus Christ," he said.

He reminded the faithful that Jesus' message cannot be fully grasped without considering the poor, who are not only an important part of the Gospel but its very essence. He called on the Church to place the poor at the heart of its mission and to prioritize their needs.

The Pope also spoke about the need for constant self-examination and conversion. He urged the bishops, priests, and religious to be the first to welcome Christ's reconciling grace into their hearts.

He challenged them to reject worldly perspectives and embrace the humility and transformation that Christ calls them to. "Only by becoming poor ourselves, by stripping away our complacency, will we be able to identify with the least of our brothers and sisters," he said. The Pope urged them to live authentically in the spirit of Christ's humility.