Romualdez leads mass honoring Pope Francis' Yolanda visit

House Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez led a thanksgiving mass in Tacloban City to honor the late Pope Francis, who passed away on Easter Monday and was laid to rest in Rome.

The mass was held in commemoration of the Pope's 2015 visit to the province, which occurred in the aftermath of Super Typhoon Yolanda.

Romualdez stated that Pope Francis' visit provided more than hope, showing the world how to lead with compassion and offering strength to the people of Eastern Visayas.

He recalled the Pope's compassionate leadership, noting that his presence gave them the strength to rise from the tragedy and the courage to begin again.

The Speaker highlighted that the Pope's visit on January 17, 2015, forever changed their lives, as he stood with them "shoulder to shoulder, heart to heart."

He added that the pontiff's presence was a comfort to their grief, a spark to their resilience, and a reminder that compassion can shine through even in dark storms.