Pope rallies Pinoy youth to help transform society

Pope Francis urged the Philippines' youth to further make a difference by being among agents of positive change in society to benefit present and future generations of Filipinos.

"I want to encourage you, as Christian citizens of this country, to offer yourselves passionately and honestly to the great work of renewing your society," he said Sunday (Jan. 18) in a speech at University of Sto. Tomas (UST) in Metro Manila during his interaction with the youth there.

He raised such challenge, recognizing the youth can be a force in transforming society.

"Help build a better world," he told thousands of people below 30 years old - the youth sector - as well as others who flocked to UST so they can see and listen to him.

Renewal of society is among concerns Pope Francis raised during his maiden visit to the Philippines this month.

On Friday (Jan. 16) in Metro Manila during the courtesy call at the Philippines' presidential palace Malacanang - his first official engagement in the country - Pope Francis called for strengthening of the family as he believes this is also essential in bringing forth renewal of society.

The Pontiff highlighted need for such strengthening as he pointed out the family isn't merely society's basic unit but is a major contributor to its development and transformation.

"It's in the family that children are taught sound values, ideals and genuine concern for others," he said at Malacanang where he addressed local and foreign dignitaries.

His Holiness raised urgency for action, saying one challenge that countries face is building a modern society that's respectful of human values.

Such society must be "ready to confront new and complex political, ethical questions," he also said.

At UST, Pope Francis expressed gratitude for having the opportunity to interact with the Filipino youth.

Such interaction is among goals of his visit to the country, he noted.

"During my visit, I want in a particular way to meet many young people, to listen and talk to you," he told young people at the event.

The Pontiff listened to personal accounts that several youth - including two former street children - publicly made during the event and offered each of them advice and words of encouragement.

He also led the crowd at UST in saying a prayer for the female church volunteer who died Saturday (Jan. 17) in Leyte province's Tacloban City after reportedly being hit by scaffolding in the area where he celebrated mass on the same day.

Pope Francis stepped on Philippine soil for the first time late Thursday afternoon (Jan. 15), delighting thousands who waited for hours to get a glimpse of His Holiness.

The Pope is visiting the Philippines to further spread his message of mercy and compassion.

His Holiness flew to Metro Manila from Sri Lanka where he canonized Joseph Vaz, that country's first saint.
After the courtesy call at Malacanang, Pope Francis spent the rest of Friday also in Metro Manila celebrating mass at Manila Cathedral and interacting with Filipino families.

He flew to Leyte on Saturday to celebrate mass, undertake other official engagements and interact with people there including survivors of typhoon 'Yolanda' (international name 'Haiyan').

Inclement weather in Leyte and surrounding areas due to storm 'Amang' (international name 'Mekkhala') forced authorities to shorten the time alloted for such trip so the papal contingent can safely return to Metro Manila early Saturday afternoon, however.

In November 2013, 'Yolanda' plowed through Central Philippines where Leyte is, killing over 6,000 people and destroying nearly everything in its path.

Experts cited 'Yolanda' as among the strongest tropical cyclones to make landfall in the world's recorded history.

Before departing for Rome on Monday (Jan. 19), Pope Francis celebrated mass at Rizal Park on Sunday afternoon following his interaction with youth at UST. (PNA)