Manila, Philippines, Jan 16, 2015 / 22:06 pm
Pope Francis regretfully announced his early departure from the Philippines island of Leyte, leading people in prayers for protection against an inbound typhoon.
"I apologize to you all," the Pope said Jan. 17 at Palo's Cathedral of Our Lord's Transfiguration. "I am truly saddened because I had something prepared especially for you."
He led the congregation in praying an Our Father and a Hail Mary before departing for Manila, where he may take part in unscheduled events.
The Pope had been scheduled to spend more time on Leyte after the Mass near the Tacloban airport. He fulfilled his scheduled appointment for lunch with 30 survivors of Typhoon Haiyan and also met with a fisherman and his family.