(March 20, 2013) In the Philippines, people around the country offered Masses and
prayers on Tuesday morning as Pope Francis set out on his "Petrine ministry." Archbishop
Jose Palma, president of the bishops' conference had earlier requested all bishops
to offer special prayers for the intention of the Holy Father. Vice President Jejomar
Binay represented the Philippines at the inauguration of Pope Francis on Tuesday.
Cardinal Gaudencio Rosales, archbishop emeritus of Manila, and Cardinal Ricardo
Vidal, retired archbishop of Cebu, invited the new pope to visit the Philippines in
2016. The invitation was extended during Pope Francis' audience with cardinals at
the Vatican on Friday. Local news reports said Cardinals - Rosales and Vidal invited
the pope to grace the 2016 International Eucharistic Congress in Cebu. Cardinal Rosales
said he told the pope in Spanish, “Your Holiness, the Philippines is now preparing
for your first pastoral visit as Pope!" and the Pope smiled and said, "Vamos a ver
-Let us see."