Pope Francis prays for victims of deadly Philippines typhoon

Pope Francis prays for the victims of Typhoon Phanfone which swept across the Philippines.

After reciting the St Stephen’s Day Angelus, Pope Francis appealed for the people of the Philippines, victims of Christmas Day Typhoon Phanfone which killed at least 13 people.

“I join in the suffering that has struck the dear people of the Philippines due to Typhoon Phanfone”, said the Pope.

Before inviting the faithful gathered in St peter’s Square to recite the Hail Mary Prayer, he assured them of his own prayers, “for the numerous victims, for the wounded and for their families”.

Typhoon Phanfone struck central Philippines on Christmas Day, killing at least 13 people. The number of people missing is still unsure, whilst around 60,000 have been evacuated.

Phanfone struck close to regions hit by Typhoon Haiyan - the most powerful storm ever to make landfall - in 2013.

More than 6,000 people were killed in November that year, making it the Philippines' deadliest typhoon.

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