Pope Francis Arrives at Villamor Air Base from Tacloban City

Manila (PNA) — The Philippine Air Lines (PAL) aircraft carrying Pope Francis and his entourage safely landed at the Villamor Air Base, Pasay City at 2:14 p.m.

The Pope was welcomed by Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin, Air Force chief Lt. Gen. Jeffrey Delgado, Philippine National Police officer-in-charge Deputy Director Leonardo Espina.

Thousands of well-wishers were also present.

The Pope’s plane, PAL Flight 0810, left the Daniel Z. Romualdez Airport, Tacloban City at 1:07 p.m. after inclement weather caused by Tropical Storm “Amang” threatened to close the airfield from air traffic.

The Pontiff was supposed to stay in Leyte until 5 p.m. Saturday but this was cut short due to inclement weather and stiff winds, conditions that may prevent Pope Francis’ aircraft from safely leaving.

Pope Francis was not able to have the scheduled lunch with survivors of Typhoon Yolanda and Bohol earthquake but met with them at the Palo Cathedral.

This, after he blessed the Pope Francis Center for the Poor, which is part of his itinerary.

Earlier in the day, the Pontiff was able to officiate a Holy Mass at Tacloban City Airport. (PNA) LAP/PFN&JS