Huge Crowds Of Filipinos Welcome Pope

Hundreds of thousands of Filipinos spilled jubilantly into the streets of Asia’s only Catholic capital city Thursday in a roaring welcome for Pope John Paul II, who arrived from Rome with a limp in his stride but a twinkle in his eye.

Cheering crowds evaded police to cluster around the “popemobile” as it nosed behind schedule along a six-mile route into the heart of this metropolis of 7.9 million.

Well-wishers standing five and six deep waved yellow and white flags and kerchiefs to welcome Pope John Paul’s return to Manila after 14 years. Polyglot banners hung from trees, light poles and office windows: “Viva il Papa,” “Mabuhay,” “Totus Tuus.”

The 74-year-old pontiff appeared briefly on the balcony of the apostolic nuncio’s residence where he is staying to salute a huge crowd chanting, “John Paul Two, We Love You.”