'Deeply saddened' Pope urges Catholics to help in Philippines

Death toll could make it country's worst ever natural disaster

A satellite image of Super Typhoon Haiyan making its way to Philippines (Japan Meteorological Agency)  

Pope Francis on Sunday asked Catholics to provide "concrete help" to the hundreds of thousands of people made homeless in the typhoon-ravaged Philippines, and to include them in their prayers.

More than 60,000 people joined the pope in his own prayer for the victims during his traditional Sunday mass in St Peter's Square, a day after he had tweeted his solidarity with the Catholic Asian nation.

The death toll from the super typhoon that wiped out entire towns in the Philippines could soar well over 10,000, authorities warned Sunday, making it the country's worst recorded natural disaster.

"Sadly, there are many, many victims and the damage is huge," the head of the Roman Catholic Church said, speaking from a third-floor window of the papal palace. "Let's try to provide concrete help."

Secretary of State Pietro Parolin, the pope's right-hand man, said in a message to President Benigno Aquino that Francis was "deeply saddened by the destruction and loss of life caused by the super typhoon (and) expresses his heartfelt solidarity with all those affected by this storm and its aftermath."

"He is especially mindful of those who mourn the loss of their loved ones and of those who have lost their homes," the message said.

"In praying for all the people of the Philippines, the Holy Father likewise offers encouragement to the civil authorities and emergency personnel as they assist the victims of this storm." AFP