A Message of Hope: THE OTHER PHILIPPINE VISIT - Stanley R Rader - May 1981

Stanley R Rader

N BRIEF: THE LATE February visit of Pope John Paul II momentarily focused world attention on the Philippines. World press coverage of the Pope's visit was extensive, centered primarily on the political implications of the Pope's statement, and particularly his public scolding of President Ferdinand Marcos at a formal reception at the presidential palace. Just a few short weeks earlier, however, another religious figure visited the Philippines, ·and also spoke to President Marcos. While this visit wasn't the object of extensive worldwide news coverage, his message was considerably more hopeful for the Filipino people. The Pope criticized President Marcos for his "human rights problem," echoing something that has become a cliché in much of the Western press. - Information Supplied By: Herbert W Armstrong Library