"Today more than ever, it is necessary for political leaders to be honest in terms of models, integrity and commitment to the common good."
Pope Francis continues his visit to the Philippines, where he arrived on Thursday.
On the plane taking him to Manila, the pontiff had this little phrase, "If a good friend speaks ill of my mother, he can expect a punch, and that's normal." Without citing Charlie Hebdo, François said yes, freedom of expression was a "fundamental right" but that does not allow to "insulting the faith of others." ( - Italian version)
In meetings Friday with the Philippine authorities, the pope were of a different order. "Today more than ever, he said, it is necessary that the political leaders are the models for honesty, integrity and commitment to the common good."
This message struggle against social inequalities, the head of the Catholic Church reiterated during a Mass in the Cathedral of Manila. And if, since his election, the Pope is defending a church tour to the most disadvantaged, it remains no less strict on issues of sexual morality. During his homily, he warned against the "confusion" about the family values.
In any case, his visit is followed closely by millions of Filipinos in the country, Catholics, the majority, being particularly devout. But some regret to be kept away. And they have indicated during a demonstration Friday in the capital. One of the protesters, Vencer Cristomo, has lamented that "many barricades (have) been erected to prevent the poorest to go to meet the Pope." "It's not normal, he added, because the pope is the one who wants to break the barriers."
This Saturday, Francis planned to travel to Tacloban, the city hardest hit by a typhoon in 2013. He will meet with survivors of the disaster.
> Full program of the visit .
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