Simultaneous ringing of bells greet Pope Francis arrival in Philippines

Simultaneous ringing of bells nationwide began as a signal that Pope Francis step down from the Sri Lankan Airlines into the Philippines Thursday at 5:32 pm.

The simultaneous ringing of bells took place for about 15 minutes as an indication of the Pope's arrival.
People within the Villamor Airbase happily began clapping their hands as welcoming children rushed in to approach the plane.

President Benigno S. Aquino III and other top Cabinet officials lined up at the tarmac and waited for the Pope who waved to well wishers after the airplane's door opened about five minutes before 6:00 p.m.

After President Aquino kissed the Pope's ring, formal arrival ceremonies at the airport tarmac followed.

Afterwards, about 1,200 young students representing different schools danced and form a Philippine Flag through blue, red, yellow and white umbrellas. (PNA)