Malacañang: Pope John Paul II model for openness

Even as it prepares a formal statement for his beatification on Sunday, Malacañang on Saturday hailed the late Pope John Paul II as a model of simplicity, openness and compassion. Deputy spokesperson Abigail Valte said the late Pope’s [charm] was made clear with the shared enthusiasm of Catholics and non-Catholics for his beatification. “Whether Katoliko, Kristyano o ibang pananampalataya, he served as a model for simplicity openness ... at compassion for others (Whether for Catholics or other religious groups, he served as a model for simplicity, openness and compassion for others)," she said on government-run dzRB radio. Filipinos – including Catholics and members of other religious groups – have been following developments leading to the late Pope’s beatification on Sunday afternoon (Manila time). Millions of Filipinos welcomed the late Pope when he visited the country in 1981 and 1995. Meanwhile, Valte said the Palace is to issue a statement on Sunday in time for the beatification, but declined to elaborate. “We will be releasing a statement tomorrow," she said. — LBG, GMA News