After typhoon in Philippines: 1st concrete help is prayer, says Pope

Pope Francis assured his closeness to the many victims of the typhoon that struck the Philippines this week, where the death toll is already well over 100 and climbing.

Super Typhoon Rai hit the southeastern islands of the nation. It has been the strongest hurricane of this year.

After leading the midday Angelus on December 19, the Holy Father expressed his prayer that the Child Jesus, beloved in the Philippines as the “Santo Niño” (the holy Child), would bring consolation.

And he urged everyone to give the “first concrete help,” that is, prayer.

I express my closeness to the people of the Philippines struck by a strong typhoon, which has destroyed many homes. May the Santo Niño bring consolation and hope to the families most in need; and may he inspire concrete help in all of us! The first concrete help is prayer.