ON JANUARY 18, 2015, the late Pope Francis made a memorable visit to the Pontifical and Royal University of Santo Tomas (UST) in Manila as part of his five-day Apostolic Visit to the Philippines.
Pope Francis was warmly welcomed by hundreds of youth representatives at the university’s grandstand. Among those present was Ms. Ellie, a student at the time who now works at UST. She expressed her honor that her school was chosen for the papal visit. Although she only watched from a distance, the excitement in the air was palpable as students and guests eagerly awaited the pontiff’s arrival.
Professor Peter Rico Wong, then a graduating student, shared his experience of assisting during the Pope’s visit.
“At that time, we were very excited… and we were somewhat close to him. For us, it was a dream come true. We felt so blessed to have the Pope back then,” Wong recalled.
Wong described Pope Francis as being particularly connected to the youth, noting, “He was very open and adaptable to the changing world. The connection was palpable.”
In addition to the students and alumni, walk-in guests from various parts of the country visited UST to see memorabilia from Pope Francis’ visit. As part of the university’s commemoration of the late pontiff, these items are now on display in the main building lobby.
Among the items showcased are the Papal Chair which the Pope used during his visit and the pen he used to write in the university’s guest book, where he asked for the Lord’s blessings on all who study and work for a “culture of encounter.” The exhibit will be open to the public until April 26, Saturday.
Pope Francis was the third highest-ranking church leader to visit UST. Blessed Paul VI met with young people at the university’s open field in 1970, while Pope St. John Paul II visited twice, in 1981 and 1995. Their visits are commemorated through relics preserved in the UST Museum and Central Seminary.
Pope Francis passed away on Easter Monday, April 21, 2025, with thousands of mourners paying their final respects at St. Peter’s Basilica. (JEG/PIA-NCR)
