Pope Francis prays for victims of Typhoon Odette

Pope Francis. INQUIRER FILES

MANILA, Philippines — Pope Francis has expressed his concern to victims of Typhoon Odette (international name: Rai), offering prayers that families distressed by the severe tropical storm that barreled the Philippines recently find solace and hope.

“I express my closeness to the population of the Philippines, struck by a strong typhoon that has caused many deaths and destroyed so many homes,” the top leader of the Catholic church wrote on Twitter Sunday night.

“May the ‘Santo Niño’ bring consolation and hope to the families of those most affected. #PrayTogether,” he added.

Typhoon Odette, reportedly the strongest typhoon to hit the country this year, first made landfall in Siargao Island on Thursday, December 16, before ravaging other provinces including Cebu, Bohol, and Palawan.

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The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) reported that over 1.8 million people were affected by Typhoon Odette.

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