UST photo exhibit on Pope’s visit to Israel

A photo exhibit depicting the historic visit of Pope Francis to Israel in 2014 has been formally launched at the University of Santo Tomas (UST) coinciding with the 25th year of the diplomatic relations between the State of Israel and the Holy See.

The exhibit also marked the “return” of the Pontiff to UST since his January, 2015 state visit to the Philippines.

“The visit of Pope Francis will always be an important event whether it’s through a photo exhibition such as this one or the visit of His Holiness himself to the University of Santo Tomas in January 2015. In the same way, the visit of our friends from the Embassy of Israel is always an experience of warm friendship,” said Rev. Fr. Pablo Tiong, O.P., Vice-Rector for Religious Affairs of the Pontifical and Royal University of Santo Tomas during his welcome remarks at the opening of the exhibit last week.

Pope Francis is the third pope to visit Asia’s oldest pontifical university for a youth encounter.

“The visit of Popes always leaves our countries in a greater state of hope and love. Both our countries and our peoples believe that Pope Francis is our inspiration and guide towards tolerance, understanding, and praising faith,” Rev. Tiong added.

Pope Francis’ visit to Israel on May 2526, 2014 marked an important milestone in the deepening relationship between the Catholic Church, Israel, and the Jewish people. Pope Francis was the fourth Pope to visit the Holy Land.

Manila Archbishop Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle originally led the unveiling of the photo exhibit during his recent visit at the Synagogue in Israel.

Israeli Embassy Deputy Chief of Mission Yulia Rachinsky-Spivakov took the opportunity to congratulate Cardinal Tagle for his new role in the Vatican as the Prefect of the Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples.

In explaining the photo exhibit, the Israel Embassy official quoted the late Israeli President Shimon Peres who said, “Pope Francis touched the people’s hearts – regardless of their faith or nation. He emerged as a bridge-builder of brotherhood and peace.”