Pope Expresses Solidarity with Philippines Following Typhoon, Calls for Peace
Vatican City - Pope Leo XIV, following his Angelus address on Sunday, November 9th, offered prayers and condolences to the people of the Philippines devastated by recent typhoons. He specifically mentioned his concern for those who have lost their lives, been injured, or displaced by the storms.
the Pope referenced Typhoon Kalmaegi, which struck the Philippine archipelago on November 3rd, triggering widespread flooding. Current reports indicate a tragic toll of 204 confirmed fatalities, with 109 individuals still missing. The island of Cebu has been especially hard hit, experiencing the worst impact from this year’s strongest typhoon to date.
Search and rescue operations were suspended on Saturday due to the arrival of a second, even more powerful storm – Typhoon Fung-Won – which intensified into a super typhoon on Sunday. The Philippine Meteorological Service reports that Fung-Won’s immense diameter encompasses nearly the entire country, bringing torrential rainfall to already saturated ground and powerful winds. Significant flooding occurred on Saturday, particularly on the island of Mindanao, prompting the evacuation of 1.2 million people.
Beyond the disaster in the Philippines, Pope Leo XIV also expressed his gratitude for those working towards peace in conflict zones worldwide. He emphasized that honoring the memory of those lost to war – including civilians,children,the elderly,and the sick – requires a cessation of hostilities and a commitment to negotiation.
the Pope echoed a message from the Italian Bishops’ Conference on the occasion of Thanksgiving, urging responsible stewardship of the earth, a reduction in food waste, and the adoption of sustainable agricultural practices. he called for gratitude to God for “our mother earth” and for those who work to cultivate and protect it.
