MANILA, Philippines – BB Gandanghari is hopeful that the Philippine visit of Pope Francis will inspire Filipinos to be more open-minded about different sexual orientations.

BB made the statement in an interview with reporters during the TV5 press launch for its first quarter shows.

“I think the Pope’s symbolism is peace, so I hope we continue to pray for peace. And then I think he’s very vocal also yung mga different orientations, parang no judgement,” BB said. (READ: Dear Pope Francis: Would you love a lesbian like me?)

“So I hope mabuksan din ang mga isip ng mga tao, yung mga sarado pa na we can’t really judge people…so sana eto ang maging daan para maging mas bukas ang mga pag-iisip ng tao,” BB said.

(So I hope it will open the minds of the people – those who are still close-minded about it – that we can’t really judge people….So I really wish this will be the way for them to be more open-minded about everything.) 

Pope Francis is scheduled to visit the Philippines from January 15-19.

Actor Robin Padilla, BB’s sibling with whom he had reconciled with recently, meanwhile  said he considers Pope Francis as one of the most liberal popes to head the Catholic world.

“Para sa akin eto ang pinaka-liberal na pope. Lagi ko nga pino-post’ yung mga magaganda niyang sinasabi (For me, he is the most liberal popes. In fact, I always post all the nice messages he shares),” Robin told reporters.

Robin, who practices Islam, said that despite different religions, what matters is that everyone respects one another.  

He also said that no religion advocates terrorism or harming others after. The actor made the statement following the attack on satirical magazine Charlie Hebdo in Paris, France, last week, where 12 people were killed in Paris last week, mostly staff members. (READ: Articles on Charlie Hebdo) – Rappler.com