But in his undelivered speech, the pontiff expressed his gratitude to those who helped the areas hit by Typhoon Yolanda in November 2013.
“At this mass, we wish also to thank God for the good men and women who served as rescue and relief workers. We thank him for the many people around the world who generously gave of their time, money and goods,” Pope Francis wrote.
But he reminded those who helped that much work still needs to be done.
“I ask government leaders, international agencies, benefactors and people of goodwill not to give up. There is much that remains to be done. Though the headlines have changed, the needs continue,” he added.
Instead of speaking these lines, Pope Francis followed his heart and talked about how Jesus and the Mother Mary are one with the people’s sufferings as they also underwent great calamities in their lives.
Pope Francis was also expected to give a message to Yolanda survivors at the Palo Cathedral but his trip was cut short because of Tropical Storm Amang. Public Storm Warning Signal No. 2 had been raised over Leyte when the pope visited the province.
In this prepared speech, the pope wrote, “I ask all of you, and all responsible for the good of society, to renew your commitment to social justice and the betterment of the poor, both here and in the Philippines as a whole.”
Vatican Press Office Director Father Federico Lombardi said that although the speeches were not delivered, the public is still free to use them as they were written and prepared by Pope Francis himself. — JDS, GMA News
