Sign in Subscribe
Popes

Pope Francis Visits Typhoon-Hit Philippines Amid Tropical Storm

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

Pope Francis braved heavy rain and strong winds to visit the far eastern Philippines and comfort survivors of Typhoon Haiyan, which killed over 7,300 people and displaced more than 4 million in 2013. Despite the approaching Tropical Storm Mekkhala, Francis traveled to the typhoon-wracked city of Tacloban, where he held a Mass on a muddy airport field, recounting his own desire to visit the area after the devastating storm. "I wanted to come to be with you," he told the rain-soaked crowd. "It's a bit late, I have to say, but I am here."

Key Takeaways:

  • Pope Francis visited the Philippines to comfort survivors of Typhoon Haiyan, which killed over 7,300 people and displaced more than 4 million in 2013.
  • The typhoon, known as Yolanda in the Philippines, slammed the areas around Tacloban with a storm surge two stories high and winds of up to 147 mph, as clocked by U.S. satellites.
  • Francis donned a cheap, plastic yellow rain poncho over his vestments, matching the ones given to Mass-goers, and traveled in the exposed popemobile to show solidarity with the victims.
  • He cut his visit short due to the approaching Tropical Storm Mekkhala, which made landfall on nearby Samar Island with winds of 60 to 80 mph, according to the weather bureau.
  • The storm forced Francis to cancel his closing Mass in Manila, which had been expected to draw record crowds, and instead return to Manila earlier than expected.
  • During the Mass, Francis spoke about the need for solidarity and aid for the typhoon survivors, saying, "Pope Francis cannot give us houses and jobs, but he can send our prayers to God."
  • Thousands of people attended the Mass and welcomed Francis with chants of "Papa Francesco, Viva il Papa!" (AP Photo/Wally Santana)
  • Former Philippine first lady and Congresswoman Imelda Marcos, who hails from Leyte, wore a yellow raincoat and attended the Mass in Tacloban, Leyte province in central Philippines. (AP Photo/Jim Gomez)
  • A police official estimated the crowd at 150,000, while an official put the total figure at 300,000. (AP Photo/Bullit Marquez and L'Osservatore Romano/Pool)

Statistics:

  • More than 7,300 people killed or missing in Typhoon Haiyan (Wikipedia)
  • Over 4 million people displaced due to the storm (Wikipedia)
  • Storm surge in Tacloban reached two stories high (Associated Press)
  • Wind gusts in Tacloban reached 147 mph, as clocked by U.S. satellites (Associated Press)
  • Tropical Storm Mekkhala made landfall on nearby Samar Island with winds of 60 to 80 mph (Associated Press)
  • 150,000 people estimated to be in the crowd at the Mass (AP Photo/Bullit Marquez)
  • 300,000 people estimated to be in the crowd at the Mass (AP Photo/L'Osservatore Romano/Pool)

Sources:

  • Associated Press: "Pope Francis Brings Solace to Typhoon-Hit Philippines Amid Tropical Storm"
  • Wikipedia: "Typhoon Haiyan"
  • AP Photo/Wally Santana
  • AP Photo/Alessandra Tarantino
  • L'Osservatore Romano/Pool
  • AP Photo/Jim Gomez

Read more