Website answers questions about papal visit

Pope Francis. AP PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines—Do you have any queries about the visit of Pope Francis to the Philippines next month?

The organizing committee has released a video on papalvisit.ph, the official papal visit website, to answer some frequently asked questions.

One of the most common questions received by the committee was how or where to buy tickets to the papal events.

“No tickets are issued, given away or sold by papal visit organizers, so beware of anyone who tries to sell you passes, accreditation cards or tickets to any papal events,” said Ana Cosio of the papal visit social media team.

“All events may be witnessed by the public although the meetings with the particular interest groups such as the youth, religious and families will be participated in by pre-selected representatives,” she added.

The organizers explained that the meeting with families at the Mall of Asia Arena will be attended by families previously selected by various dioceses.

“Therefore, your best source of information would be your own parish or the diocesan office wherever in the Philippines you happen to be. Your parish priest will be the proper conduit to the bishop and should be able to provide specific answers to your questions,” Cosio said in response to those asking about how they could join the papal event at the MOA Arena.

Those who want to send donations for the papal visit may deposit their contributions to BPI current account 0051-0556-75 or Security Bank savings account 0061-015085-001.

“All donations will be receipted so when you deposit, please call the papal visit finance committee at (02) 5272995 or email a copy of the deposit slip to [email protected] so that your contribution may be properly identified and receipted,” Cosio said.

There were also those who questioned the itinerary of the Pontiff, particularly why the visit to Malacañang is first on the list of his activities.

Organizers explained that the Pope’s visit to the country is both a state and pastoral visit.

“Being the head of state of the Vatican City, the Pope is also welcomed by the head of state of the host country. He will be given arrival honors, have bilateral talks with President Aquino and address government officials and the diplomatic corps in Malacañang,” said the committee.

For those asking if the Holy Father will also meet with HIV/AIDS patients, organizers said this is not included in the official itinerary.

“To date, the visits program seems set and there is no mention of a dialogue with HIV-AIDS patients. Just for your information, it’s the Vatican that decides on the itinerary and all the activities during the visit,” the committee said.

The video created by the papal visit social media team is just the first in a series.

Pope Francis will be in the country from January 15 to 19, particularly to visit the victims of Super Typhoon “Yolanda” in Samar and Leyte.

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