Papal itinerary: Where you can see Pope Francis

Millions of Filipino Catholics are eagerly waiting for the arrival of Pope Francis, a leader loved by many around the world.

Pope Francis’ visit is a first in 20 years. The last time the Holy Father went to the Philippines was when Pope John Paul II came to celebrate the 10th World Youth Day in 1995.

During the 4-day state and pastoral visit, Pope Francis will meet high-ranking officials, share lunch with Yolanda survivors and celebrate a holy mass before an estimate crowd of 6 million. The Pope’s audience in Quirino Grandstand is expected to surpass the 5 million Filipinos who showed up during Saint John Paul II’s visit.

Since his election as pope in March 2013, the 78-year-old pontiff has earned believers and non-believers’ admiration because of his surprising acts on various occasions and issues—from criticizing corrupt politicians, to dressing down lavish religious leaders, to setting an ambitious goal of ending hunger by 2025.

Pope Francis’ historic Philippine visit has “mercy and compassion” as theme, highlighting his stand to lead a church of 1.2 billion members that understands the needs of the poor.

Want a good glimpse of the pope? Track his whereabouts through this itinerary:

January 15, Thursday

5:45 pm – Arrival at Villamor Air Base in Manila. President Aquino and 12 cabinet members to welcome the pope
– Motorcade to his official residence at the Apostolic Nunciature (Taft Avenue)

Best vantage point: The route of his motorcade (to be issued later in the day)

January 16, Friday

09:15 am – Welcome ceremony at the Malacañang Palace.
10:15 am – Meeting with authorities and diplomatic corps at the Rizal Ceremonial Hall of the Presidential Palace
11:15 am – Holy Mass with the bishops, priests, and others from religious orders at the Manila Cathedral
5:30 pm  – Meeting with families (pre-selected by Philippine dioceses) at Mall of Asia Arena

Best vantage point: Intramuros to MOA Arena for his motorcade

January 17, Saturday

08:15 am – Departure from Manila for Tacloban
09:30 am – Arrival at the airport of Tacloban
10:00 am – Holy Mass near Tacloban International Airport
12:45 pm – Lunch with some of the survivors of typhoon Yolanda at the Archbishop’s Residence in Palo, Leyte
3:00 pm  – Blessing of the Pope Francis Center for the Poor
3:30 pm  – Meeting with the priests, seminarians and families of the survivors at the Cathedral of Palo, Leyte
5:00 pm  – Departure from Tacloban to Manila
6:15 pm  – Arrival at Villamor Air Base in Manila

January 18, Sunday

09:45 am – Brief Meeting with the religious leaders of the Philippines at the Pontifical University of Santo Tomas in Manila
10:30 am – Meeting with the youth at the Sports Field of the UST
3:30 pm  – Holy Mass at the Quirino Grandstand, Rizal Park in Manila

Best vantage points:

UST grounds (Gates 5 and 6 are designated for participants; The general public can stay at designated areas, please enter at Gates 10 and 11. Gates open at 4 AM.)

Periphery of Rizal Park, where Pope Francis will also reportedly hold a short motorcade before starting the mass.

January 19, Monday

09:45 am – Send-off ceremony at the Presidential Pavilion of Villamor Air Base in Manila
10:00 am – Departs for Rome
5:40 pm  – Pope arrives at the airport of Rome/Ciampino