Pope Francis to cut short Leyte trip

Pope Francis, left, celebrates a mass in Tacloban, Philippines, Saturday, Jan. 17, 2015. AP

MANILA, Philippines–Pope Francis will be leaving Leyte earlier than scheduled.

Philippine National Police-National Capital Region Police Office Regional Director Carmelo Valmoria confirmed in a text message to INQUIRER.net that the Pope will be leaving Leyte at 1 p.m. instead of the scheduled 5 p.m.

Tropical storm “Amang” (international name: Mekkhala) has been affecting provinces in Eastern Philippines. Leyte is under public storm warning signal number 1 due to the weather disturbance. IDL