Pope Francis has called
on leaders to fight corruption and end "scandalous" social inequalities,
on the first full day of his Philippine visit.
The Pope was speaking at a welcome ceremony at the presidential palace hosted by President Benigno Aquino.
He is now celebrating a Mass at the capital's Basilica of the Immaculate Conception.
The pontiff was greeted by huge crowds as he arrived in the overwhelmingly Catholic country on Thursday.
The highlight of the papal visit will be on Sunday, when an open-air Mass is expected to attract millions.
The Pope is on a six-day tour of Asia. Earlier in the week he visited Sri Lanka.
Speaking at Friday's welcome ceremony to the Philippine president and
other officials, Pope Francis called for leaders "to reject every form
of corruption, which diverts resources from the poor" and to make
concerted efforts to ensure inclusivity.
"It is now, more than ever, necessary that political leaders
be outstanding for honesty, integrity and commitment to the common
good," he added.
He said that the Bible emphasised that there was a duty "to
hear the voice of the poor" and "break the bonds of injustice and
oppression which give rise to glaring, and indeed scandalous, social
inequalities".
"Reforming the social structures which perpetuate poverty and
the exclusion of the poor first requires a conversion of mind and
heart," he said. ...BBCNews
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