Pope Francis prays for Filipinos affected by Severe Tropical Storm Kristine

Pope Francis offered prayers for Filipinos affected by Severe Tropical Storm Kristine, expressing closeness to the population and noting their faith during his Angelus address.

He also prayed for Father Marcelo Perez, a murdered Mexican Jesuit priest, and for conflict-stricken Ukraine, Palestine, Israel, and Lebanon.

Severe Tropical Storm Kristine, which occurred from October 21 to 25, caused unprecedented flooding in parts of Luzon, including Calabarzon and the Bicol Region.

The number of reported fatalities due to Kristine has reached 116 as of October 28, with 39 individuals reported missing and 109 injured.

Kristine affected 6.7 million people nationwide, displacing nearly one million individuals who stayed in evacuation centers.

The storm caused P2.5 billion in agricultural damage and P1.5 billion in infrastructure damage, leading to at least 160 cities and municipalities being placed under a state of calamity.

Bishop Joel Baylon of Legazpi attributed the severe flooding to environmentally destructive activities such as quarrying.