A handout photo provided by the Philippine Air Force Public Information Office (PAF-PIO) shows aerial shot of devotees during a downpour of rain waiting for the arrival of Pope Francis to celebrate a mass at the Rizal park in Manila, Philippines, 18 January 2015. Pope Francis' visit to the country on January 15-19 would be the fourth papal visit since 1970. He is the third pope to visit in 45 years. Authorities expect up to 5 million people will attend a public Mass scheduled at Manila's Rizal Park on January 18.The Philippines is the largest predominantly Catholic country in Asia. EPA
Rain fell steadily in Manila in the hours before the mass but Filipinos are famous for practising a passionate brand of Catholicism and they turned out in a joyous mood that defied the gloomy skies.
The 78-year-old pontiff thrilled crowds on his way to the bayside park venue for mass. He travelled along a motorcade route in a “popemobile” styled after the Philippines’ iconic minibuses known as jeepneys.
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