H.E. Mercedes Arrastia Tuason Ambassador of the Philippines to the Holy See

H.E. Mercedes Arrastia Tuason Ambassador of the Philippines to the Holy See

Q:His Holiness Francis is set to embark on his first Apostolic visit to the Philippines, what is the significance of the Pope’s journey to our contry which has a predominantly Roman Catholic population, the largest they say, in all of Asia? Please describe how special the Pilippines and the Filipino are to Pope Francis’ heart.

Mercedes Arrastia Tuason:Well here in Rome, you can see that the Filipinos are really very very loved by their Holy Father kasi noong we had that big typhoon, He really prayed and he asked from all the other churches to give all the donations for the typhoon victims and he really prayed for all of us. At saka yung mga…he sees that Filipinos that are very very…the Filipinos are loved here in Rome. Kasi gusto rin din magtulong tulong.

Q: Pope Francis will personally visit Tacloban to meet with some victims of the Typhoons Yolanda and Ruby. How will the pontiffs presence help in the recovery of these people?

Mercedes Arrastia Tuason:You can just imagine how he will be because he really loves the poor. From day 1, he always ask to help the poor at saka very very compassionate and love. We have to love one another maski ka-enemy natin siya, wala, kailangan natin mahalin. And have compassion in everybody.

Q:Please cite any memorable encounter that you had with the Pope Francis. What do you think makes him one of the popular pontiffs of all times?

Mercedes Arrastia Tuason:The first time we were introduce I had an evelope. Usually you cannot give an envelope to the Holy Father. But I was using it because somebody told me you cannot give thos to the Holy Father. So I was holding it and I have gave it to him and he got It and he held on to it. It’s something usually they don’t allow and but he was holding it and we finished talking. He had it all. And second, he was…we call him Lolo Kiko because we said that Franchesco is Kiko and Lolo is grandfather so we call him now Lolo Kiko.

Q:Final message.

Mercedes Arrastia Tuason:Mercy and compassion for me it is…mercy…have mercy when we ask mercy from God we have to give it. The same with God gives it to us, we should give mercy. And compassion…we should be compassionate to all our people especailly the poor. Pasensya lang. we have to have patience and love.

* * *

1