NO LESS than the head of the Catholic Church has expressed his solidarity with the victims of Tropical Depression “Agaton” in several parts of the Philippines.
In a letter sent by Papal Nuncio Archbishop Charles Brown to Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) President Bishop Pablo David, Pope Francis has offered his prayers for the victims of the recent cyclone that hit the Philippines.
"Having been informed of the recent loss of life and destruction caused by Tropical Depression Megi, His Holiness Pope Francis wishes to express his solidarity with all those suffering in the wake of the storm," said Brown.
"He also offers the assurance of prayers for the dead, injured, and displaced, as well as those engaged in recovery efforts," he added.
The papal envoy said the Pope has also sent his blessings to all Filipinos affected by the recent calamity.
"As a sign of his spiritual closeness, His Holiness willingly invokes upon all the Filipino people God's blessings of strength and peace," said the prelate.
Brown said the message was sent to him by the Vatican's Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin.
"The Apostolic Nunciature has received the following message from the Secretariat of State expressing the solidarity and closeness of His Holiness Pope Francis to everyone affected by the recent Tropical Cyclone Agaton," said Brown.
According to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC), the death toll from Tropical Depression Agaton has risen to 137.
A total of 494,607 families or 1.6 million individuals have been displaced by “Agaton.” (HDT/SunStar Philippines)