Congressman Pacquiao hopes to meet Pope Benedict XVI, says Arum

MANILA, Philippines – Manny Pacquiao may have to alter his hectic schedule in order to have a chance to meet with Pope Benedict XVI.

Top Rank Promotions chief Bob Arum indicated he could arrange an audience with the leader of the Roman Catholic Church for the pound-for-pound boxing king.

Arum told Granville Ampong of Examiner.com on Tuesday that Pacquiao’s religiosity would make such a meeting easier.

“I knew the Holy See has to be very pleased with Pacquiao’s stance on birth control and his opposition to passing out condoms,” said Arum.

Pacquiao adheres to natural family planning methods and is a prominent oppositor to the Reproductive Health Bill.

The 79-year-old Arum played a big role in arranging a meeting between Pacquiao, also the Sarangani representative in Congress, and US President Barrack Obama in 2010.

Arum said the Sept. 3 and 4 kickoff of the Pacquiao-Juan Manuel Marquez III press tour at the Quirino Grandstand at Rizal Park would involve the religious sector.