Erik Matti blessed by Pope Francis during Italy trip
Erik Matti shared the moment his family received blessings from Pope Francis during their trip to Rome, Italy.
The director waited with his wife, screenwriter Michiko Yamamoto, at the Basilica of Saint Mary Major to see the Pope.
He posted an Instagram video of Pope Francis giving blessings to a crowd last Monday, September 27.
Matti told his followers how a Filipino priest told them the Pope passes by a small church to give an offering to the Virgin Mary.
He wrote,
“Everyone at the table [was] wide-eyed and excited at the prospect of probably seeing the Pope up close without much fanfare with an air of exclusivity that probably only us would enjoy without the world knowing about it,”
In addition, Matti found out how Pope Francis had a soft spot for Filipinos, responding to “Viva Lolo Kiko!”
When we went back to our apartment, we planned the biggest, riskiest ambush of our lives.: ‘Attack the church before 3pm and get ready to call the Pope.’ We had all our religious objects prepared for Pope’s blessings. It will be swift and fast.”
In the video, upon seeing the Pope, Yamamoto shouted “Lolo Kiko!” as he continued to bless the crowd.
Matti wrote, in jest,
“The Pope smiles. Blesses us all. Now, I can sin some more.”
Recently, Matti went to Venice, Italy for the international premiere of his film On The Job: The Missing 8.
Moreover, the film’s lead star John Arcilla bagged the award for Best Actor during the festival.
On the other hand, Dennis Trillo earned praises from festival jurors, including Parasite director Bong Joon-ho.
What a sight! You are so blessed, direk!
