Francis already informed about pilgrim’s death

The news of the unfortunate death of pilgrim Kristel Padasas in Tacloban City has been relayed to Pope Francis.

“First of all, the Pope has been informed of the death of our young friend,” Vatican spokesman Federico Lombardi SJ said at a press briefing for local and international reporters at the Manila Diamond Hotel and (via live video hookup) at the Manila Hotel. Lombardi said Francis gave instructions for Church officials to “take information about who, what, where, [about] the family, and so on” of the accident victim. Padasas died when the scaffolding of a loudspeaker used in the papal Mass at the Tacloban airport fell on her.

Lombardi said the Pope’s instructions were to find ways to offer help to the family of the victim.—JN