Pope, Obama deeply saddened

MANILA, Philippines - Pope Francis on Sunday sent a telegram to President Aquino through Vatican Secretary of State Archbishop Pietro Parolin to express his solidarity with the victims of Super Typhoon Yolanda, the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) posted on its website yesterday.

US President Barack Obama also expressed his sympathy to the victims in a message to the Philippines on Sunday, at the same time highlighting the “incredible resiliency” of Filipinos in the face of adversity.

“Deeply saddened by the destruction and loss of life caused by the super typhoon, His Holiness Pope Francis expresses his heartfelt solidarity with all those affected by this storm and its aftermath,” Parolin said in the telegram, according to CBCPNews.

Parolin said Pope Francis “is especially mindful of those who mourn the loss of their loved ones and those who have lost their homes.”

“In praying for all the people of the Philippines, the Holy Father likewise offers encouragement to the civil authorities and emergency personnel as they assist the victims of this storm. He invokes divine blessings of strength and consolation for the nation,” the Vatican added.

Pope Francis earlier took to his Twitter account to urge the public to pray for all the typhoon victims.

The Pope also shared his concern for the victims at the Angelus in Rome last Sunday.

“I want to assure the people of the Philippines and of that region who were struck by the terrible typhoon of my closeness,” he said.

The crowd that gathered for the noontime prayer in St. Peter’s Square reportedly clapped in unity.

Meanwhile, Obama said the United States is providing significant humanitarian assistance to the victims of Yolanda and is ready to further assist the Philippine government’s relief and recovery efforts.

“Michelle and I are deeply saddened by the loss of life and extensive damage done by Super Typhoon Yolanda. But I know the incredible resiliency of the Philippines, and I am confident that the spirit of bayanihan will see you through this tragedy,” Obama said.

Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel has directed the Pacific Command to support US government humanitarian relief operations in the Philippines and elements of the 3rd Marine Expeditionary Brigade based in Okinawa, Japan have started deploying to areas badly hit by the typhoon.

“Our thoughts and prayers go out to the millions of people affected by this devastating storm,” Obama said.

Filipino-American organizations in various parts of the US were scrambling to raise funds and donations of food and medicine for typhoon victims.

Meanwhile, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe also sent a message to President Aquino on Sunday, expressing unity with the victims.

He said Japan will extend the necessary assistance to the Philippines.

9-day prayers

CBCP president Cebu Archbishop Jose Palma on Sunday issued a circular declaring a Novena of Prayer and Charity from Nov. 11 to 19 for the victims of Yolanda and the magnitude 7.2 earthquake in Bohol.

While Yolanda was assessed as the strongest typhoon in the world, Palma believes the Filipinos’ faith in the Lord is stronger.

He reminded the faithful that during this time of national calamity, they must again turn to the Lord.

He said novena prayers and masses would be offered for the dead and the families who were left behind.

He also asked bishops and priests to conduct a charity fund collection during the nine-day period and immediately transmit the collection to the dioceses in the calamity-stricken provinces.– With Danny Dangcalan, Jose Katigbak (STAR Washington bureau), Eva Visperas