Despite a shortened schedule amid heavy rain in Palo town in Leyte, Pope Francis found time to stop his motorcade to pray with a family.

 

The Pope got off his popemobile during the motorcade to pray with the family of Mary Jean Arias, GMA Cebu's Nikko Sereno reported from Palo.

 

He also gave a rosary to Arias' children.

 

"Kinakabahan... Hindi po namin alam na bababa siya, titingin lang sa kanya magha-hi at magbaba-bye," Mrs. Arias said.

 

Narciso Ay-Ay added he became nervous when the Pope got off his Popemobile. He said he felt like crying, then saw the Pope kissing his wife and his children.

 

Before the Pope left them, he told them, "Please pray for me."

 

These were among the stories of Filipinos whose lives were touched in the short time the Pope visited the Philippines.

 

Pope Francis left for Rome Monday morning aboard a chartered Philippine Airlines flight that served as "Shepherd One." —Joel Locsin/NB, GMA News