Bam asks Pope Francis to pray for PHL amid drug war

Senator Bam Aquino has asked Pope Francis to pray for the Philippines and poor Filipinos amid the challenges of injustice and suffering that the country is facing.

Aquino went to Rome and met with the Pope as the country’s representative to the 9th Annual Meeting of the International Catholic Legislators Network (ICLN).

The senator presented to Pope Francis letters from members of the Philippine clergy, such as Bro. Armin Luistro of the Purple Cross Movement.

“Holy Father, I have some letters from our religious leaders in the Philippines. Our country needs your prayers,” Aquino told the Holy Father during the private audience.

In response, Pope Francis smiled back, took the letters and blessed Aquino and the rosary that he was holding.

Aquino shared his experience on his Instagram page.

 

“In the Pope's message to Catholic and Christian legislators, he said, 'Christian politicians are especially called...with humility and courage, to bear witness to their faith.' The message for me. Kung totoong nananampalataya ka, dapat walang kang takot na manindigan para sa Diyos at para sa ating mga kababayan. Against all odds, in humility and courage.- Sen. @bamaquino

A post shared by Team Bam Aquino (@teambamaquino) on

Aug 22, 2018 at 5:33pm PDT

In a press statement on Thursday, Aquino said one of the letters asked Pope Francis to pray that the violence in the Philippines comes to an end and for the welfare of the widows and orphans left by the anti-drug war.

He recalled Pope Francis' message to Catholic and Christians legislators, which is Christian politicians are especially called with humility and courage to bear witness to their faith.

Aquino said the message of Pope Francis encourages Catholics to stand up for God and for fellow Filipinos, against all odds and with all humility and courage.

"Kung totoong nananampalataya ka, dapat wala kang takot na manindigan para sa Diyos at para sa ating mga kababayan," he said. —KBK, GMA News