Manila, Philippines, Jan 16, 2015 / 21:03 pm
Although Tacloban was "ground zero" of the Typhoon Haiyan disaster that brought fear, suffering, and death, a Philippines bishop has told Pope Francis that the Christian faith and the papal visit have consoled the Filipino people.
"Your visit strengthens and consoles us; may your humble presence among the poor and among us who have suffered the tragedy of a Super Typhoon ever lead us to the restful waters of God's mercy and love," Archbishop John F. Du of Palo told Pope Francis at the close of a Jan. 17 Mass.
"We will always be grateful! For indeed, as the Psalmist says '…the Lord will not abandon His People nor will He forsake His inheritance.'" (Ps.94:14)
Tacloban is still recovering from one of the strongest storms ever recorded in history, Super Typhoon Haiyan. The 2013 storm had 195 mph winds and torrential rains. Water in some places reached 23 feet in depth. Over 6,000 people died as a result of the typhoon and many survivors today are still coping in the aftermath of the devastation.