News Digest

Huge turnout as pope urges Filipinos to reject corruption

Pope Francis called on Filipinos to reject the corruption that has plagued this Asian nation for decades and urged them to instead work to end its “scandalous” poverty as he brought his message of social justice to Filipinos who cheered him wildly at every turn. The remarkably enthusiastic reception on Francis’ first full day in Asia’s largest Catholic nation came despite an unprecedented level of security that prevented the pope from diving into the crowds as he typically likes to do. Rather, Francis waved from the car window or popemobile as his motorcade drove through boulevards lined with well-wishers held behind police barricades. Corruption has wracked the Philippines since the 20-year rule of late dictator Ferdinand Marcos, and the problem has festered since. Pope Francis’ message will likely resonate in a country where, according to government statistics, nearly a quarter of the Philippines’ 100 million people live on just over $1 a day.

For him, the poorer you are, the more he will reach out to you. Corruption is the No. 1 news in the Philippines these days, so it was a good message. For small workers like us, it would mean we can get what is due us and it will not be stolen.

Christopher Ladios, a 40-year-old traffic enforcer

In a speech to Filippino president Benigno Aquino and other officials, Francis said that more than ever, political leaders must be “outstanding for honesty, integrity and commitment to the common good.” He said they must hear the cries of the poor and address the “glaring and indeed scandalous social inequalities” in society. Francis also took the local church to task during a Mass for the clergy in Manila’s cathedral, urging priests to reject materialism and embrace lives of poverty themselves as Jesus did. Later Friday, Francis was to meet with Filipino families. On Saturday he travels to the central Philippines to comfort survivors of the 2013 Typhoon Haiyan, which left more than 7,300 dead and missing and leveled entire villages.

Only by becoming poor ourselves, by stripping away our complacency, will we be able to identify with the least of our brothers and sisters. We are called to be ambassadors of Christ.

Pope Francis