Palma to Pope: Visit Bohol too

CEBU, Philippines - Apart from Tacloban City, Cebu Archbishop Jose Palma said Pope Francis should also consider visiting Bohol province, which was severely damaged by last year’s earthquake, a month before super typhoon Yolanda struck Eastern Visayas and northern Cebu.

Palma spoke in support of the appeal of Bohol Governor Edgar Chatto and Bohol Archdiocese through Bishop Leonardo Medroso.

Palma said that while he remains hopeful that Cebu will be considered for the pope visit having survived both calamities last year, the highest leader of the Catholic Church must not miss personally blessing the people of Bohol, whose 25 churches were destroyed or damaged.

“Why Bohol? While the typhoon was an unfortunate experience, it is worth noting that 25 heritage churches and structures were severely affected by the strong earthquake in Bohol. This is likewise unfortunate,” Palma explained.

The archbishop brought with him the same sentiments from the Visayan Catholic church leaders as the papal visit was discussed at the recently concluded 9th Visayas Region Pastoral Assembly held in Dumaguete City, Negros Oriental.

Palma added that apart from Cebu and Bohol, neighboring archdiocese and diocese in the Visayas region have also sent their invitations for the Pope to drop by.

“His compassion is focused on the typhoon victims due to the huge death toll in Leyte. Sad as this seems, we recognize that he chose the archdiocese of Palo,” Palma said.

Palma added that the pontiff’s presence in Tacloban City and Palo is his way of expressing solidarity with those who lost their loved ones, homes and livelihood after last year’s super typhoon. — (FREEMAN)