Pope Francis still going to Leyte despite weather disturbance

Pope Francis reacts while meeting a hearing-impaired father and his family at the Mall of Asia arena in Manila, Philippines, Friday, Jan. 16, 2015. Pope Francis is on a five-day apostolic visit in this predominantly Catholic nation in Asia. (AP Photo/Wally Santana)

MANILA, Philippines – The weather may not be ideal but that will not deter Pope Francis from flying to Visayas to meet the survivors of calamities.

“The program is the same. We will fly to Tacloban tomorrow with the Holy Father,” Vatican spokesperson Fr. Federico Lombardi said on Friday, during the regular briefing for the papal visit.

Lombardi, who answered questions from international and local media, said that while they heard that the weather is “not the best” they don’t think it will endanger the pontiff.

Pope Francis is in the country for a five-day pastoral visit. On Friday, he met with President Benigno Aquino III and celebrated Mass at the Manila Cathedral. He also met with families at the Mall of Asia Arena.

He is set to fly to Tacloban on Saturday to touch base with the victims of Super Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan) and other calamities.