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Palo residents flee to Pope Francis Center


Even before it can be inaugurated by Pope Francis in January, a center in Palo town in Leyte named after the pontiff is already doing his work of showing "mercy and compassion."
 
The Pope Francis Center in Palo is now accommodating people who evacuated their homes due to the threat of Typhoon Ruby (Hagupit), the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines said Sunday.

The Pope Francis Center, located inside the compound of the archbishop’s residence, includes an orphanage, a home for the aged and a clinic.
 
Palo archdiocese information officer Fr. Chris Militante said at least 100 people have already taken shelter at the complex as of Saturday morning.
 
Most of those staying there are women and children from nearby villages, and "the number is increasing," Militante added.
 
On Sunday, Palo Archbishop John Du celebrated Mass with the evacuees of Typhoon Ruby at the Pope Francis Center.

Ruby on Saturday night made landfall over Eastern Visayas, bringing heavy rain and strong winds to the region.
 
It was to be inaugurated by Pope Francis when he visits Palo on January 17.
 
“But as early as now the facility is already serving its purpose by sheltering our brothers and sisters from typhoon Ruby,” Militante said.
 
Militante said the building of the facility, which was completed this month, was financed by the Vatican to help survivors of super Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan).
 
Yolanda last year left more than 6,300 dead. —Joel Locsin/NB, GMA News

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