Iloilo City: Sonia Cadornigara, regional coordinator of the Homeless People's Federation of the Philippines, Inc. (HPFI) for Iloilo City, will always cherish the rare privilege of embracing and not just holding the hand of Pope Francis, as well as meeting him not just once but twice. Cadornigara was among the 40 chosen community leaders worldwide to meet with the Holy Father during the Global Meeting of Popular Leaders on Oct. 27 to 29, 2014, just over a year after he was elected pope in 2013.
According to Philippines News Agency, Cadornigara shared in an interview that Pope Francis, an advocate for land, housing, and fair labor, reached out to community leaders after he was elected as the overall leader of the Catholic Church. The Vatican communicated with her through the Slums Dwellers International (SDI) secretariat, as HPFI is affiliated with SDI, which has membership in 33 countries.
Cadornigara explained that the invitation was related to their work. Among the participants, there were two representatives from the Philippines who joined approximately 40 community leaders in meeting Pope Francis for almost half a day on the third day of the gathering. She described feeling an undeniable aura emanating from the Pope as he entered the room.
Following their meeting, participants were invited to shake hands with the Holy Father. Cadornigara, overwhelmed with emotion, found herself crying even before her turn came. When she introduced herself as being from the Philippines, Pope Francis acknowledged her by squeezing her hand. Despite strict protocols, the encounter concluded with a heartfelt embrace.
During their first meeting, Pope Francis gifted them a rosary. This intimate encounter was particularly significant due to the small group size. Cadornigara's second meeting with Pope Francis occurred in 2015, in a larger assembly of about 200 delegates from various countries. During this event, she touched the vestment of Pope Francis as he greeted the delegates.
The two encounters profoundly inspired Cadornigara, particularly Pope Francis's concern for the oppressed. He encouraged them to persist, acknowledging their struggles and promising his prayers for their advancement in housing, land, and labor issues. This meeting also deepened her faith in God.
Cadornigara expressed that she may forget specific years and dates, but not her encounters with Pope Francis. These meetings renewed her inspiration to serve, despite the frustrations she faces as a community leader. Upon learning of Pope Francis's demise, Cadornigara was moved to tears, and like many around the world, she intends to witness his interment.
In her home, a photograph with the Pope, printed on canvas the size of a 40-inch television, will serve as a lasting reminder for her descendants of the extraordinary encounter with a pope who understood and supported their mission.
