Pope arrives in the Philippines

MANILA, Jan. 15 (UPI) -- Pope Francis arrived in the Philippines Thursday to a red carpet welcome and cheering crowds on his first visit to Asia's predominately Roman Catholic county.

The pontiff, smiling but appearing tired, landed at Manila's Villamore Air Base at about 5:45 p.m. local time and was met on the tarmac by President Benigno Aquino, who simulated a kissing of the papal ring, a military honor guard and church hierarchy.

"Papa Francisco, we love you," people chanted; youth groups danced and a band played "Onward, Christian Soldiers," the 19th Century Christian hymn, as he made his way down the welcoming line.

Pope Francis arrived in Manila from Sri Lanka and will leave for Rome on Monday.

The Philippines, population about 100 million, is 80 percent Roman Catholic. Fr. Federico Lombardi, director of the Vatican press office, said the visit to the Philippines -- "the thriving center of Catholicism in Asia" -- is to promote interfaith dialogue and cooperation, to show spiritual support for victims of a devastating typhoon in the country and to promote social welfare.

No arrival speech was given by the pope, who traveled in an open vehicle from the air base to Malacanang Palace in Manila, the president's residence and office complex, passing tens of thousands of well-wishers who lined the route. Remarks are scheduled for Friday morning, however.

As many as 37,000 soldiers and police are on high alert for the pope's visit, during which more than five million people are expected to attend and open air mass on Sunday.