Here is the text of the letter sent by Pope Francis to Archbishop John F. Du of Palo regarding his visit to Tacloban during his Apostolic Trip to the Philippines.
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To the Most Reverend John F. Du
Archbishop of Palo
Dear brother,
Returning to Rome, I wish to convey with these words my profound gratitude for your hospitality in the Archdiocese of Palo. May the Lord repay you abundantly for your goodness. I thank you too, wholeheartedly, for the witness of faith and endurance which your people showed me in the midst of their trials. I will never forget this – may the Lord never permit me to –and I will keep them in my prayers.
I was deeply saddened that the weather warning forced us to anticipate our departure by four hours; this prevented a more relaxed visit with your people and in the Cathedral later that afternoon. I ask your forgiveness for any impatience on my part at the time.
I thank you for your pastoral example of strength and generosity in the service of the Church in Palo. May the Lord reward you greatly. I also ask you, please to pray for me and to ask those entrusted to your care to do the same.
May the Lord bless you, and the Blessed Virgin protect you always,
Fraternally yours,
Francis
From the Vatican, 21 January 2015
