Abandoned children chosen to welcome Pope Francis

Two homeless kids also welcomed the Pope and gave him flowers upon arrival.

MANILA – Two children from a foundation for abandoned children were selected to welcome Pope Francis to the country on Thursday.

Ten-year-old Mark Angelo Bartolas and nine-year-old Lanie Ortillo will say “Bienvenidos Santo Papa!” and hand out the welcoming flowers to the Pope as he arrives at Villamor Airbase.

The children came from Tuloy sa Don Bosco and were chosen to welcome His Holiness.

“I will give the flowers to Pope Francis later,” said Bartolas adding that their inclusion in the welcoming committee of the Pope was “a call of God.”

He added, “I’m so happy that I have the opportunity to see Pope Francis up close.”

Meanwhile, Ortillo said that she would want to embrace the pope.

“I want to hug him later,” she said while grinning.

Both Bartolas and Ortillo were abandoned by their parents. They are currently residing in a foster home in Alabang, Muntilupa.

“I hope Pope Francis prays for the Filipino people,” shared Bartolas.

Ortillo, meanwhile, said she hopes that Pope Francis will continue his mission of helping more people.