Ensuring Pope Francis' security may be "challenging" during his visit to the Philippines in January next year since he is known for his spontaneity and his habit of breaking protocol in order to reach out to people.

 

In an interview with reporters on Thursday, Radio Veritas president Fr. Anton Pascual said that it would be "a very exciting visit," but added: "For security, it is a very challenging work na ma-secure pa rin ang ating mahal na Santo Papa, kahit na siya ay lalapit sa mga tao." 

 

He added, "Alam naman natin na siya ay 'Pope of surprises'. Talagang gusto niyang mahawakan, makapiling ang mga tao, maipadama 'yung diwa ng solidarity [at] pag-ibig ng Diyos."

 

During the press briefing, Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) secretary-general Fr. Marvin Mejia said the government has assured Catholic Church officials that they are ready even for the surprises that may come at the events of the five-day visit on January 15 to 19, 2015.

 

He added that while the Pope has a habit of veering away from set activities, it is presumed "that the general itinerary will be followed."

 

"On the government side, they said that even the surprises are being prepared for," Mejia said. "Regarding surprises in the itinerary, there have been meetings, countless meetings, and officials coming in. Let's just hope that they will follow the itinerary."

 

Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa Jr., who is part of the organizing committee, has said that 95 percent of the preparation on the government side is concerned with the security of the Pope and the crowds that will gather at the public events during the visit. 

 

Requests from sectors 

 

However, Pascual noted the Pope and the Vatican may decide to entertain letter requests made by various sectors that wish to have an audience with the Pontiff.

 

"Sa Pilipinas alam natin na maraming sumulat kay Pope Francis na dalawin siya... kaya't 'yan ang ating mga pinananabikan, kung magkakaroon ng surprises doon," he said. 

 

Last month, Manila Archbishop Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle said they will be forwarding the letters coursed through them to the Vatican organizing committee, and asked the groups to understand that not all of them may be accommodated. 

 

'Special entrance'

 

During his visit, the Pope is set to meet with representatives from various sectors, including bishops and priests, women and men religious, the youth, leaders of other religions, and the survivors of super typhoon Yolanda at the residence of the Archbishop of Palo in Leyte.

 

Amid the stringent security procedures, Mejia disclosed that a number of chosen differently-abled individuals may be invited to attend the concluding mass that will be held at Rizal Park on January 18.

 

He said the CBCP secretariat is communicating with the 86 archdioceses and dioceses across the country, asking them to send at least five "people with disabilities or handicap," who "will be given special entrance or ID for the Mass."

 

"[We're] trying to ask [them] to send five [representatives] from their local jurisdictions, and provide logistics so these people can join the Luneta Mass," he said. 

 

The public will have the opportunity to take part in the events, though from a distance, the church officials assured, saying wide screens will be set up around the areas where a bigger audience may be entertained. — RSJ, GMA News