Pope Francis' visit to have lasting impact on country's consciousness, political landscape, Palace official says

MANILA,
Jan. 15 (PNA) -- Pope Francis could have a long-term impact on Filipinos
and the country because he is such a hugely charismatic figure, a
Palace official said.When
Pope John Paul II visited the Philippines in 1995, he made a personal
impact on many Filipinos, Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma, Jr.
said on Thursday.A
charismatic and popular figure like Pope Francis is a magnet that
attracts millions, he said during a press conference at the Manila
Hotel. The
presence of a Pope in our country always brings on a spiritual renewal,
a feeling of tremendous inspiration because it is not every day that we
are visited by the Vicar of Christ, and especially coming at a time
when we are dealing with many challenges and we have a Pope that is able
to give us enlightenment and guidance on how to discern what
appropriate responses we could make in light of these challenges,
Coloma said.The
pope's visit will also have an impact on the country's political
landscape as the Philippines gears towards national elections next year,
he said, adding that this is amplified with the papal visit's theme of
mercy and compassion. These
are very basic, very deeply emotional concepts that could find
resonance in the heart of every Filipino, very much in line with our
caring and sharing culture, he said.The
Filipinos, he noted, are able to sustain one another because of their
extended family system that is simply a manifestation of a culture of
caring and sharing.Coloma
said he thinks the visit will also provide a good opportunity for
Filipinos, and especially the country's leaders, to be more discerning,
reflective and considerate of the values that are indicated by the
concepts of mercy and compassion.He
said he sees that in the coming years, even in the country's economic
policy, the concepts of mercy and compassion will amplify on the present
focus on inclusive growth, more than just attaining higher Gross
Domestic Product figures. We
are now more focused on establishing a more equitable and a more just
society that would have definite implications on the political reforms
that need to be looked at after this season of grace, he said. (PNA) LAP/PND/RSM rel= href= and//124.107.92.202/index.php?nid=0