Last week, the Philippines was graced by a special visit by the Pope. 

Predominantly a Catholic country, majority of the Filipinos clamored to catch a glimpse of Pope Francis.  

I remember the first time our country was favored by a visit by the Pope.  In 1980, Pope John Paul II visited Cebu – my very own hometown.  I saw the Pope in person.  In truth, I really didn’t understand what he was all about since I was very young then; but when he drove by on his pope mobile, I was in awe.  He was indeed very charismatic.  It was an experience, I realized, that would forever get stuck in my young mind.

The Catholic Church refers to the Pope as “the Shepherd of God’s flock.”  Considering the fact that Catholicism is one of the largest religions worldwide, one can just imagine how enormous the responsibility and the challenges the Pope faces, most especially at this day and age.

Whether in person or via television or online streaming, the entire country watched on to hear the Pope’s words of wisdom.  What struck me most was his honest admission to the victims of typhoon Yolanda in his visit in Tacloban.  “Some of you lost part of your families, all I can do is keep silent, and I walk with you all with my silent heart.”

Those simple words moved me the most.  Even as the Vicar of Christ, he does not claim to have all the answers.  His simplicity is very inspiring.  In his humility there is pure strength.  He showed us by example. 

He is His Holiness, leader of billions of Catholics all over the world – but when he visited us, he showed us Francis, not as the Pope, but a regular person who hailed from Argentina.  He is a shepherd who leads his flock in humility.  In this, I believe Pope Francis somehow exemplifies one of the outstanding characters of the Carpenter who saved the world because of his love.