18 August 2016 — “The five-day visit of Pope Francis to Poland for the World Youth Day celebrations underscored the bond of Catholic faith between the Philippines and Poland and it may be worth recalling that the Philippines hosted the World Youth Day in 1995 which was attended by Poland’s native son, then Pope -- and now Saint John Paul II,” commented Philippine Ambassador to Poland Patricia Ann V. Paez.

The envoy noted that for centuries, the Philippines was the only Catholic country in Asia while Poland is the “most devout” Catholic country in Europe. Today, about 95% of Filipinos are Catholic while around 93% of Poles profess the same faith. For this year’s World Youth Day, at least 1,000 Filipinos travelled all the way from their country to Poland to participate. The first World Youth Day which happened 30 years ago was initiated by Pope John Paul II.  

Pope Francis arrived in Krakow on July 27 for his first-ever visit to Poland and to Central Europe. The official welcome ceremony was held in the Wawel Royal Castle in Krakow. Poland’s President Andrzej Duda led the welcomers composed of top Polish government and church officials as well as members of the diplomatic corps. END