Pope Francis: heartfelt solidarity with those affected by Philippines typhoon
(Vatican Radio) Pope Francis has sent a telegram of condolence to the President of
the Philippines, expressing his solidarity with those affected by Typhoon Haiyan.
The typhoon, one of the worst on record, is feared to have killed as many as 10.000
people on Leyte island, which bore the brunt of the storm. Please find below the
full text of the telegram, signed by Archbishop Pietro Parolin, Vatican Secretary
of State. “Deeply saddened by the destruction and loss of life caused by the super
typhoon, His Holiness Pope Francis expresses his heartfelt solidarity with all those
affected by this storm and its aftermath. He is especially mindful of those who mourn
the loss of their loved ones and of those who have lost their homes. In praying for
all the people of the Philippines, the Holy Father likewise offers encouragement to
the civil authorities and emergency personnel as they assist the victims of this storm.
He invokes divine blessings of strength and consolation for the Nation.” Pope Francis
also prayed for the victims of the typhoon after the Sunday Angelus in St Peter’s
Square. He firstly called for silent prayer, and then led the faithful in a recitation
of the Hail Mary. Furthermore, he urged those present to help their brothers and sisters
in the Philippines concretely, as well as through prayer. Meanwhile, The Holy
Father, through the Pontifical Council “Cor Unum” is sending an aid contribution
of 150,000 dollars to assist the population of the Philippines. The money, will
be used to help people who have been displaced as a result of the disaster, and
will be distributed by the local Church in the regions most affected.
The
donation is intended as a first and concrete expression of spiritual nearness and
paternal encouragement on the part of the Supreme Pontiff in relation to the people
and territories devastated by the floods.