2. A papal app

Local bishops have created an app for people to share photos, send messages to the pope, track his whereabouts, or post on a “prayer wall.”

The faithful can leave messages on the “prayer wall’ of the “People’s Pope” app.
The faithful can leave messages on the “prayer wall’ of the “People’s Pope” app.

3. Commemorative everything

Filipina Flor, 20, holds her son Vincent as she tries to sell souvenirs along the Pope Francis motorcade route in Manila, Philippines, Thursday, Jan. 15, 2015.
Filipina Flor, 20, holds her son Vincent as she tries to sell souvenirs along the Pope Francis motorcade route in Manila, Philippines, Thursday, Jan. 15, 2015.
Image: AP Photo/Wally Santana
A worker shows commemorative coins with the portrait of Pope Francis during a news conference at the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (Central Bank of the Philippines) in Manila January 14, 2015. The 50-peso ($1.12) commemorative coin for Pope Francis is made of Nickel Brass while the 500-peso ($11.21) is made of Nordic Gold with gold plating. Pope Francis is scheduled to visit the Philippines from January 15-19.
Commemorative coins for Pope Francis.
Image: Reuters/Romeo Ranoco
A “Pope Francis Philippines Visit 2015 Commemorative Resin Bust” for sale on Amazon for $31.33.
A “Pope Francis Philippines Visit 2015 Commemorative Resin Bust” for sale on Amazon for $31.33.
Image: Amazon

4. Waiting, waiting….and waiting to greet him

City authorities have recommended police and others to wear adult diapers as they spend hours waiting for a glimpse of the pope.

Members of the Philippine National Police (PNP) stand guard in front of well-wishers waiting along a main street for the arrival of Pope Francis in Manila
Members of the Philippine National Police (PNP) stand guard in front of well-wishers waiting along a main street for the arrival of Pope Francis in Manila
Image: Reuters/Romeo Ranoco

5. Personal notes and requests

📬 Sign up for the Daily Brief

Our free, fast, and fun briefing on the global economy, delivered every weekday morning.