It was last 1995 since the leader of the Church visited the Philippines and it was Pope John Paul II or now known as St. John Paul II during the World Youth Day in January 1995. His successor Pope Benedict XVI was invited to visit the country but there was no chance during his reign to squeeze in the said Papal Visit in his schedule. Now with Pope Francis leading the Roman Catholic Church, Manila Archbishop Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle confirms that Pope Francis will be visiting the country on January 15 to 19, 2015.
Cardinal Tangle shared that Pope Francis itinerary on his 4 day visit in the Philippines include his visit in the University of Santo Tomas (UST) who played a very important role during World Youth Day in 1995 and areas in Eastern Visayas that became devastated by super typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan) last November 2013.
Meanwhile the government confirms that they will ensure the security and safety of Pope Francis during his Papal Visit in the Philippines on January and will help mobilize the Catholic community in the country. Before visiting Philippines, Pope Francis will be visiting Sri Lanka, South Korea and other Asian countries that Pope Benedict XVI failed to visit during his leadership.