FOR BRINGING HOPE, COMFORT AND COMPASSION

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TACLOBAN CITY — The city government of Tacloban, led by Mayor Alfred Romualdez, extended its sincerest appreciation to Pope Francis for his historic visit to the city in the aftermath of Super Typhoon Yolanda, a gesture that instilled hope, comfort and compassion to the people Leyte.

2015 VISITPope Francis waves during his visit in Tacloban City on Jan. 17, 2015 to offer support and comfort to the people in the aftermath of Super Typhoon Yolanda. PHOTO FROM ALFRED ROMUALDEZ FACEBOOK PAGE

Romualdez conveyed his message on Saturday as Leyte province celebrated Pope Francis' legacy with dual Masses at the Metropolitan Cathedral of Our Lord's Transfiguration and the New Daniel Z. Romualdez Airport Tarmac.

"On behalf of the City of Tacloban and the people of Tacloban, we'd like to thank Pope Francis for making Tacloban part of his journey," said Romualdez.

"No words can fully express our deep gratitude and thankfulness... You will forever be remembered and truly missed," he added.

Pope Francis made a personal visit to the city on Jan. 17, 2015, to offer support and comfort to the people in the aftermath of Yolanda's fury.

Early Saturday morning (Manila time), a private ceremony marked the sealing of Pope Francis' wooden coffin, which was adorned with a white silk veil, and contained coins and medals from his papacy.

In the afternoon (Manila time) on Saturday, a funeral ceremony will be held for the late pope Francis, after which he will be laid to rest at the Basilica of St. Mary Major in Vatican City.

"I would like to ask all of you, all Taclobanons, and all those who visited here when the Pope was here, to remember the words of the Pope and the sacrifice that he made to come and visit us," Romualdez said.

"His visit and his care for the people of Tacloban remain a powerful testament that no matter the trials we face, we are never alone," he ended.

A requiem was also held in Palo Metropolitan Cathedral on Saturday for the pope.

Palo Archbishop John Du presided over the concelebrated requiem Mass at 12 p.m. attended by a number of priests from the various parishes of Leyte.

Archbishop Du, in his homily, expressed his sincerest thanks and deep sorrow for the death of Pope Francis, who visited Leyte in Jan. 15, 2015.

"I thank Pope Francis for his courage and love by visiting us here in Leyte after the super typhoon and showed his love for the typhoon victims," Archbishop Du said.

Du said he and the people of Leyte will forever be thankful for Pope Francis for showing his deep concern and love to the people of Leyte.

He said Pope Francis helped in the setting up of an orphanage at the Archbishop Residence, where the pope had lunch with the Yolanda survivors.

Southern Leyte Board Member Virgilio Mortera described Pope Francis as a pro-poor pope for his love and care for the poor.

Mortera said he personally saw the pope during the Mass in Tacloban City.

Erwin Vincent Alcala, president of the Rotary Club of San Juanico-Tacloban and Saint Paul of Professional Studies, said he was so blessed when he saw the pope during the Mass.

"He was so Holy, and I am much blessed," Alcala told The Manila Times.

Businessman Galleleo Cellona said he will not forget Pope Francis as he and Baybay City Mayor Jose Carlos Cari, his brother-in-law, attended the Mass at the airport. The same is true to Tacloban City councilor Jerry Uy, who said he saw the pope during the Mass.

Uy said he likes the message of love and hope from the holy father.

Pope Francis came to Leyte as he promised upon seeing the devastation of the super typhoon on Nov. 9, 2013 when thousands died and many are still missing.