MANILA, Philippines (The Adobo Chronicles) – Pope Francis yesterday urged an audience of senior political leaders “to reject every form of corruption, which diverts resources from the poor, and to make concerted efforts to ensure the inclusion of every man and woman and child.”

It was was a somber message that put Philippine politicians on notice that the Vatican is well aware of  the corruption that has plaqued this Catholic country in the last several years and beyond.

In contrast, with the Pope looking on, President Aquino complained that local church leaders were  overly critical of him and his administration and that they even ‘gave me unsolicited advice on my hair.’  The balding Aquino who has repeatedly blamed previous administrations for the problems faced by his country today. ‘The church should turn their criticism toward my predecessors,’ Aquino said. Immediate past President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo is under hospital arrest for corruption charges while her predecessor, now Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada, was convicted and jailed for similar offenses but later pardoned by Arroyo.

In response to Aquino’s gripe, the Pope told him, “Blessed are those that that love their political enemies, for they shall achieve eternal power in heaven. Blessed are those who are criticized for thinning hair, for they shall receive a full head of hair in heaven.”

Aquino was heard whispering to the Pope: ‘Amen.’