Don’t mess with this Francis

If it is true that being given a nickname is a sign of affection in the Philippines, then Pope Francis should be overwhelmed by the demonstrations of love showed him by the millions of Filipinos who flocked to the streets of Manila and in all the places where he had passed after arriving in the country yesterday. Have you noted how many affectionate nicknames he has been called here, even before his arrival?

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Now, even news reports refer to him as “Papa Francisco, Lolo Isko, Kiko, Lolo Francis, Kikoy, and so many other nicknames used for anybody named Francisco in our country. But this Pope, who is as down-to-earth and practical as anybody’s grandfather, is not likely to take offense at that. And don’t wonder why he refuses to travel in an enclosed, much less bullet-proof, vehicle and mixes freely with people. This guy knows he can take care of himself in case anybody gets ideas about touching him with harm intended. Did you know that he used to be a bouncer in a Buenos Aires resto? So they better not mess with this one.

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It’s hardly believable the way his coming to our country has brought such happiness in our people. Just seeing the faces of the young children performing their simple dances at the airport, even if they are not even sure they were seen, was very heartwarming. And the people lining the streets, some jumping up and down in delight to see the Holy Father who was waving tirelessly, smiling all the while, and even turning around in his Popemobile, to allow everyone to see him when the vehicle started to hasten its pace was very touching.

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In his pictures before leaving Sri-Lanka, it was very obvious that he was rather tired, because he looked very frail. But, as his representative Msgr. Federico Lombardi told the media in his press conference, the Holy Father had been energized by the sight of the Filipinos waiting for him, with their welcoming faces and obvious joy at seeing him. Of course he is expecting a grueling schedule here, but, perhaps, the same show of pride and happiness in his presence will again work to “energize” and inspire him.

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The excitement and anticipation of the Filipinos could hardly be contained after the Philippine Airlines plane landed at the Villamor Air Base almost on the dot. Although he did not come out after several minutes, it seemed as if he was quite eager to get down because he could be seen through the plane’s window as standing up several times, and everytime he did so, the crowd howled and clapped, but quieted when he sat down again. A hush fell when the door of the aircraft was finally opened, the concerned officials had gotten in or out, and lo! There was the ever-smiling face everyone was waiting to see. Even if we were only watching on TV, we also clapped and cheered upon seeing him!

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I was happy to hear that most of the billboards bearing his face had been removed from the street, that I was told, had been requested by his staff who knew the humble prelate would not like the idea of treating him like a rock star. But I was proud of my fellow Pinoys for the way they behaved as the Popemobile carrying His Holiness passed by. Although their faces gleamed in excitement, and they were visibly excited, there was no jostling or pushing, and they stayed in their places.

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I was also proud of our Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle who was interviewed lengthily by no less than CNN’s crack reporter, Christian Amanpour. The Cardinal acquitted himself very wonderfully. Somehow one can sense that this cardinal will make his mark in the Church someday. He seems to be quite a friend of Pope Francis, who gave him a hug when they met. By the way, the visit of the Pope in our country is being covered quite extensively by CNN.

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Well, let us hope nobody commits any faux pas during the time that the Holy Father is in the country. Several years ago, when the Papal Nuncio came to Bacolod City, it was quite a big event and, to the residents and parishioners, it was as if the Pope himself had visited us. A government official who spoke in welcome at the airport, tried to impress him with his knowledge of Italian, and ended his speech by saying loudly: “Arrividerci Roma!” The Nuncio looked surprised, but was quite diplomatic, as he probably realized that the official did not know that what he was saying in welcome was “Goodbye to Rome!”*

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