MANILA, Philippines — The University of Santo Tomas (UST) has opened a special public display of memorabilia from Pope Francis’s 2015 visit, in tribute to the late pontiff, who passed away on Monday at the age of 88.
The display, located at the UST Main Building lobby, features key items used during the Pope’s visit on January 18, 2015, including:
- The papal chair he sat on
- The guestbook where he wrote, “May the Lord bless all those studying and working for a culture of encounter”
- The pen he used
- His official UST ID and lanyard, which labeled him under “Administration”
Commemorating a Historic Visit
During his five-day apostolic visit to the Philippines, Pope Francis stopped at UST, the only pontifical university in Asia, where he met with students, educators, and religious leaders.
He was the third pope to visit the university, following Pope Paul VI in 1970 and Pope John Paul II in 1981 and 1995. UST was granted its pontifical status by Pope Leo XIII in 1902 — a rare honor held by only two universities globally.
Open to the Public Until Papal Burial
Fr. Isidro Abaño, director of the UST Museum and parish priest of the UST Chapel, said the exhibit will be available for public viewing until Pope Francis is laid to rest.
“This is our way of honoring his legacy and remembering his special connection to our university,” Fr. Abaño shared.
Pope Francis, who led the Catholic Church for 12 years, died after being treated for double pneumonia. His funeral will be held in Vatican City on April 26.