Pope cuts short visit to typhoon-ravaged Philippines region

MANILA, Jan. 17 (UPI) -- Pope Francis cut short his trip to the central Philippine city of Tacloban on Saturday after he led an outdoor mass as Typhoon Mekkhala approached.

Francis donned a yellow rain poncho to deliver the homily to hundreds of thousands who gathered despite the high winds and rain. The faithful gathered in Tacloban, one of the many cities recovering from Super Typhoon Haiyan that killed 6,300 nationwide in 2013.

"So many of you have lost everything," the pope said. "I don't know what to say to you. But the Lord does. Some of you have lost part of your families. All I can do is keep silence and walk with you all with my silent heart."

After the Mass, Francis traveled to the nearby town of Palo in an open vehicle and had lunch with families that survived Haiyan and met with nearby priests. During the visit, the pope announced he had to leave quickly because of the approaching storm.

Francis returned to the Philippine capital and is expected to celebrate Mass in Manila on Sunday.