Pope Francis apologizes anew for shortened visit to Palo
February 3, 2015 10:31am
In yet another sign of humility, Pope Francis has apologized anew to Palo Archbishop John Du for his shortened stay in Leyte during his recent visit to the Philippines.
 
In his message to Du, the Pope also lauded Filipinos for their "faith and endurance" in the "midst of their trials."
 
"I was deeply saddened that the weather warning forced us to anticipate our departure by four hours; this prevented a more relaxed visit with your people and in the Cathedral later that afternoon. I ask your forgiveness for any impatience on my part at that time," the Pope said in a Jan. 21 message to Du from the Vatican.
 
A copy of the message was posted Tuesday morning on the Papal Visit organizers' Facebook page.
 
The Pope was referring to the Leyte leg of his papal visit Jan. 17, which was cut short due to bad weather conditions from Tropical Storm Amang (Mekkhala).
 
On that day, the Pope had to leave for Leyte early and had to be on his return flight to Manila by 1 p.m., instead of the initially scheduled 5 p.m.
 
Also on that day, volunteer Kristel Mae Padasas died after a sound box fell on her after the papal Mass in Tacloban City. At the time, Tacloban was experiencing bad weather due to Amang.
 
Meanwhile, the Pope, in his message, also relayed to Du his "profound gratitude" for his hospitality - as well as for the "witness of faith and endurance which your people showed me in the midst of their trials."
 
"I will never forget this - may the Lord never permit me to - and I will keep them in my prayers," he said.
 
The Pope also thanked Du for his pastoral example of strength and generosity in the service of the Church in Palo.
 
He asked Du to "pray for me and to ask those entrusted to your care to do the same."  Joel Locsin/RSJ, GMA News

Go to comments



We welcome healthy discussions and friendly debate! Please click Flag to alert us of a comment that may be abusive or threatening. Read our full comment policy here.
Comments Powered by Disqus