IN PHOTOS: Pope Francis in the Philippines, day 1

Jan 15, 2015 8:11 PM PHT

Rappler.com

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IN PHOTOS: Pope Francis in the Philippines, day 1

Highlights of Pope Francis' first day in the Philippines, in photos

MANILA, Philippines – Pope Francis arrives at the Villamor Airbase in Manila to start a 5-day state and apostolic visit to the Philippines.

Francis boarded the popemobile that brought him to the Apostolic Nunciature, with thousands of Filipinos cheering and taking photos of him as he traversed the roads in Manila.

(READ: Day 1: Smooth, quick motorcade for Pope Francis)

Here are the highlights of his arrival in Manila.

Pope Francis attends a press conference aboard a plane during his trip to the Philippines on January 15, 2015. Photo by Giuseppe/AFP

REHEARSAL. Students holding umbrellas rehearse a dance number hours prior to the arrival of Pope Francis at the Villamor Air base in Pasay City on January 15. Photo by Ted Aljibe/AFP

CATHOLIC FLOCK. Crowds begin to gather along Quirino Avenue, near the Apostolic Nunciature, where Pope Francis will stay. Photo by George Moya/Rappler

The papal plane taxis to the tarmac of the Villamor Airbase in Pasay City, January 15, 2015. Rappler photo

Pope Francis peers from the window before he disembarks from the plane during his arrival at the airport in Manila, Philippines, 15 January 2015. Dennis M. Sabangan/EPA

Pope Francis (L) tries to catch his skullcap on his arrival at the airport in Manila, Philippines, 15 January 2015. Dennis M. Sabangan/EPA

Pope Francis as he disembarks from the plane on his arrival at the Villamor Air Base on January 15, 2015. Photo by Ettore Ferrari/EPA

Pope Francis hugs Mark Angelo Balbero, 10, who welcomed him at the arrival ceremony at the Villamor Airbase in Pasay City, January 15, 2015. Philippine President Benigno Aquino III looks on. Rappler photo

Pope Francis embraces Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle after arriving at the Villamor Air Base on January 15, 2015. Photo by Giuseppe CacaceAFP

Filipinos welcome Pope Francis during his arrival at the Villamor Air Base on January 15, 2015. Photo by Dennis Sabangan/EPA

Pope Francis riding on a 'popemobile' waves to well wishers at a street in Manila on January 15, 2015. Photo by Francis Malasig/EPA

Pope Francis waves to the waiting crowd along Taft Avenue on his way to the Papal Nuncio. Photo by Jansen Romero/Rappler

– Rappler.com