For his part, Manila Archbishop Gaudencio Rosales expressed confidence that Pope Benedict XVI will maintain close ties with Filipinos in the same way his predecessor did.

"The late pope has almost identified Filipinos with the word ‘mabuhay,’" Rosales said. "That friendship with the Father started with his trips in the Philippines. Since then, Filipinos began to love him. There were reasons for this kind of relationship. Now with this new pope, will he do likewise? Well, probably. They say he is a very open man. I am sure he will connect," Rosales said.

Rosales said Pope Benedict XVIs experience as a theologian and historian will be most helpful in confronting the present issues dogging the Church.

Rosales recounted Ratzinger appeared to be interested in the Philippines when at one time, he was approached by the German cardinal while visiting the Vatican.

"We did not talk about the Synod (at the Vatican) but he appeared to be interested in the Philippines and asked me what was happening in our country," Rosales said.

Rosales said he even invited Ratzinger to visit the Philippines as the cardinal was going to Hong Kong to attend a meeting. The invitation was declined however by Ratzinger saying he was only allowed to travel to Hong Kong. China

The Pope announced on March 28, 2006 to a Hong Kong delegation that he plans to visit China but said that the timing was "Up to the will of God."


Rosales also said that Pope Benedict XVI will also be close to the youth in the same way as the late Pope John Paul II. His closeness to the youth will be shown in August when Cologne, Germany will host this year’s World Youth Day, Rosales said.

Lingayen-Dagupan Archbishop Oscar Cruz also claimed personally knowing the man who is now known as Pope Benedict XVI.

"I know this man," Cruz said. "His kindness and brilliance are not speculative but underneath this is his firmness." Cruz, former president of the CBCP, said that Pope Benedict XVI is "neither conservative, nor progressive, nor traditional, nor fundamentalist."

I think this will not pushed through since the Pope will be visiting many countries aside from the Philippines but this is a welcome news!

So that is "why" President Arroyo is lifting on the death sentence this easter!

I think it was the Eurpoean Union who pressured PGMA with the lifting of the daeth sentence and not the coming of Pope Benedict XVI

lol id like to spend an extra $#,### to go to the philippines to see the pope, last year i went to the vatican city on april 1st (vatican time) and then the next day the pope died =( thats a surprising news uhuh

oh hell yeah! if he does then im buyin a roundtrip ticket.

i hope he does visit coz the philippines is home of catholic asia.

I personally would like to see a papal visit but according to one of my friends in the seminary it is quite impossible for the pope to visit the country as of the moment

Anyway, It is still a news!