MANILA, Philippines (UPDATED) – Pope Francis is back at the  Apostolic Nunciature, after his youth encounter at the University of the Philippines, preparing for his biggest event in Manila – Mass at the Quirino Grandstand where millions have began flocking to, undeterred by the rain and cold weather.

After his youth encounter at the UST on Sunday morning until noontime, January 18, the Pope wore the same yellow raincoat he used in Leyte before getting on the popemobile.

The Pope had earlier taken his Volkswagen Touran on the way to the UST, but changed into his popemobile to tour the university grounds.

From the UST where he met with religious leaders and youth, the Pope headed to his official residence in the country, from where he will later depart for Luneta for the open-air Mass.

About 6 million people – one of the biggest papal gatherings in history – are expected at the Mass site in Rizal Park when the mass starts at 3:30pm.

The Pope departed UST at around noontime after delivering a message to the youth. Before his talk, several young Filipinos shared their testimonies in the presence of the Pope – a college student, an out-of-school youth, and a Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan) relief volunteer. (READ: Girl breaks down before Pope)

Despite the rains, thousands of pilgrims gathered around UST and along the Pope’s route to get a glimpse of the leader of the Catholic church on his last day in the country.

Francis is taking the same route back to the Nunciature as he did, coming to UST. From UST, he will go through España, onto Lacson Ave. From there he will take Nagtahan to Quirino Avenue and finally Taft Avenue where the Nunciature is located.

At UST, about 24,000 youth delegates were present. This number excludes the thousands standing outside.

At the event, the Pope asked the crowd to pray for Kristel Mae Padasas, 27, a Typhoon Yolanda aid worker who died the day before. A scaffolding where the Pope held mass had collapsed on Padasas.

He also told the youth, “I greet each of you from the heart.”

“During my visit to this country, I want in a particular way to meet with young people, to listen to you and to talk with you. I want to express the love and the hope of the church with you.”

He added, “I want to encourage you as Christian citizens of this country to offer yourselves passionately and honestly to the great work of renewing your society, and helping to build a special world.”

Francis was the third pope to visit UST, which was conferred pontifical status by Pope Leo XIII in 1902.

Pope Paul VI visited UST on November 28, 1970, and Pope John Paul II on both times he was in Manila – February 18, 1981, and January 13, 1995.

Francis will leave the country on Monday, January 19, and return to the Vatican after a 5-day visit to the Philippines. – Rappler.com