Vice President Jejomar C. Binay has invited Pope Francis to visit the Philippines during the 51st International Eucharistic Congress which will be held in 2016.

The Vice President invited the pontiff during a meeting after the latter's installation and inaugural mass on Tuesday evening.

"I invited Pope Francis to visit the Philippines for the International Eucharistic Congress in 2016," he said in a statement.

Former Pope Benedict XVI announced in the 2012 Eucharistic Congress that the next congress will be held in Cebu, which is acknowledged as the country's "cradle of faith."

The congress is held every four years.

The Philippines last hosted the congress in 1937, with re-evangelization as the central program.

The Vice President added that he also conveyed the well-wishes of the Filipino people during the meeting.

"I extended the greetings of the Philippines to Pope Francis," said Binay.

Binay was asked by President Benigno S. Aquino III to represent him and the country during the installation rites for the new Supreme Pontiff.

He also carried the President's letter congratulating the new Bishop of Rome.