Pope Francis expressed solidarity with and prayed for the victims of Typhoon Phanfone (Ursula) in the Philippines.
The Pontiff said the prayer 25 December after saying the St. Stephen’s Day Angelus from the Vatican, a news release on the Holy See website said.
“I join in the suffering that has struck the dear people of the Philippines due to Typhoon Phanfone”, the Pope was quoted in the report as saying.
The Philippine government has reported at least 28 people were killed when Phanfone barreled across Visayas towns and cities on Christmas eve.
Trust in God
The Pope, in his annual “Urbi et Orbi” or “from the city to the world” message, also called for trust “in God’s promises.”
“The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light” (Is 9:1),” the Pope quoted said, quoting from the Holy Bible.
“From the womb of Mother Church, the incarnate Son of God is born anew this night. His name is Jesus, which means:’ God saves’”.
“The Father, eternal and infinite Love, has sent him into the world not to condemn the world but to save it (cf. Jn 3:17). The Father has given him to us with great mercy. He has given him to everyone. He has given him forever. The Son is born, like a small light flickering in the cold and darkness of the night,” he went on in a transcript published on the Holy See website.
“That Child, born of the Virgin Mary, is the Word of God made flesh. The Word who guided Abraham’s heart and steps towards the promised land, and who continues to draw to himself all those who trust in God’s promises,” Pope Francis also said.
