MANILA, Philippines – A visit by Pope Francis to the Philippines in January or February 2015 is “under study,” the Vatican confirmed Friday, May 16, according to the Catholic News Service (CNS).

Quoting Vatican spokesman Fr Federico Lombardi, the CNS said the Pope will possibly stop by Sri Lanka if he visits the Philippines.

Fr Lombardi says #PopeFrancis trip to Philippines, with stop in Sri Lanka, "under study" for Jan. or Feb. 2015

— Catholic News Svc (@CatholicNewsSvc) May 16, 2014

Francis has long said he wants to visit the Philippines, which is Asia’s most predominantly Catholic country.

Once calling this Southeast Asian country his “beloved Philippines,” Francis sent a video message to Filipinos in October 2013 – his first papal message in English. (READ: Pope to PH: Don’t get tired of mercy)

“Don’t get tired of bringing the mercy of the Father to the poor, the sick, the abandoned, the young people, and the family,” Francis said in his video message for the Philippine Conference on New Evangelization at the University of Santo Tomas. (Watch the entire video message below) 

Shortly after he was elected Pope, Francis told Manila Archbishop Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle he has “high hopes for the Philippines.”

“When I approached Pope Francis to assure him of the closeness and collaboration of the Filipinos, he said, ‘I have high hopes for the Philippines. May your faith prosper, as well as your devotion to Our Lady and mission to the poor,'” Tagle said after the conclave that elected Francis.

Evaluating Francis’ papacy one year later, Tagle described the Pope’s “simple” gestures as “grand in their simplicity.” Cotabato Archbishop Orlando Cardinal Quevedo said Francis stands out because he “is able to laugh.” (READ: Lessons from the Pope who is ‘able to laugh’)

The Philippine government has invited Francis to visit the Philippines.

The last time a Pope visited the Philippines was in 1995, when the late John Paul II led World Youth Day in Manila. – Rappler.com