MANILA, Philippines — The body of Kristel Mae Padasas, who was killed after being hit by a falling metal scaffolding after Pope Francis’ Mass in Tacloban, arrived here Monday afternoon.
The C-130 that carried her body from the Daniel Romualdez Airport arrived in Villamor Airbase around 3 p.m., or just hours after Pope Francis left the country from the same airstrip.
Reverend Father Amadeo Alvero, spokesperson for Palo Archbishop John Du, did not disclose where Padasas’ wake would take place, out of respect for her family’s privacy.
The Supreme Pontiff met Kristel’s father at the Apostolic Nunciature on Sunday to express his sympathies. The Pope also gave him a rosary.
Kristel Mae Padasas, volunteer worker who died after papal Mass. FACEBOOK PHOTO
Kristel’s father, Paulino, was quoted in a television report as saying her daughter “did not die in vain.”
Kristel, a volunteer for the Catholic Relief Services, was killed when a metal scaffolding attached to a speaker fell due to strong winds and pinned her to the ground after Pope Francis’ Mass in Tacloban. Leyte was then placed under Signal No. 2 due to Tropical Storm “Amang.”
Pope Francis arrived in the country last Thursday for a five-day state and apostolic visit, which included a mercy mission to Leyte, where he met with the survivors of Super Typhoon “Yolanda.” His Holiness left Manila for Rome early Monday.
RELATED STORIES
‘It’s not a loss of life but meaningful death’
Pope Francis asks for minute of silence for dead volunteer