In photos: The highlights of Pope Francis’ 2015 Philippine visit

Pope Francis, the 266th pope of the Roman Catholic Church and the first pontiff from Latin America, passed away peacefully in the Vatican early this morning at the age of 88. The Holy See confirmed his death in an official statement, noting that he died surrounded by close aides and in the presence of prayer.Photo by Mark Balmores/The Manila BulletinBorn Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, the Pontiff captured the hearts of countless devotees—many of them Filipinos.

That’s why, in January 2015, Filipinos went all out to see and hear Pope Francis during his first visit to the country. As “The Exponent of Philippine Progress,” the Manila Bulletin followed him wherever he went, chronicling the inspiring moments of his five-day visit.Day 1: Jan.



15, 2015Former President Benigno Aquino III, together with nine-year-old Lanie Ortillo, welcomed Pope Francis at Villamor Airbase.The Manila Bulletin Jan. 16, 2015 front pageDay 2: Jan.

16, 2015Pope Francis visits Malacañan Palace.The Manila Bulletin Jan. 17, 2015 front pagePope Francis waves at the crowd from the Popemobile on his way to Manila Cathedral.

The Manila Bulletin - Papal Visit 2015 issue, Jan. 17, 2015Filipino prelate Luis Antonio Tagle with the Pontiff during a Mass at Manila Cathedral.The Manila Bulletin - Papal Visit 2015 issue, Jan.

17, 2015Day 3: Jan. 17, 2015Pope Francis steps down from a Philippine Airlines plane to visit the survivors of Typhoon Yolanda in Tacloban, Leyte.The Manila Bulletin Jan.

18, 2015 front pageThe Manila Bulletin - Visayas News section. Jan. 18, 2015 “I will walk with you all with my heart.

.. I have no words to tell you,” Pope Francis said.

“Let us look to Christ. He is the Lord. He understands us because He underwent all the trials that we have experienced.

”Day 4: Jan. 18, 2015Around six million people attend Pope Francis’ Eucharistic Mass at Luneta.The Manila Bulletin - Papal Visit 2015 issue, Jan.

17, 2015Day 5: Jan. 19, 2015Pope Francis walks up the ramp to board a Philippine Airlines direct flight to Rome.The Manila Bulletin Jan.

20, 2015 front pageRest in paradise, Pope Francis..