Pope Francis prays for victims of Typhoon Odette

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.

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. May the “Santo Niño” bring consolation and hope to the families of those most affected. #PrayTogether

— Pope Francis (@Pontifex) December 19, 2021

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.

READ: ‘Odette’ now a super typhoon, says US weather bureau

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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