TACLOBAN CITY – Archbishop John Du of the Diocese of Palo in Leyte asked the faithful to join the global Catholic community in prayer and mourning the passing of Pope Francis.

"His visit left an indelible mark on our hearts, and his leadership continues to inspire us in faith and resilience," he said.
The Pope visited Leyte 14 months after super typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan) battered Eastern Visayas on Nov. 13, 2013.
“When I saw in Rome that catastrophe, I felt I had to be here. And on those very days, I decided to come here. I’m here to be with you,” Pope Francis said during his visit.
Du said his visit brought hope and comfort to the community.
The Pope had to cut his trip short in Leyte due to tropical storm "Amang" on Jan. 17, 2014.