Pontiff meets Pa of volunteer killed in Tacloban Mass

Pope Francis and Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle meet the father of Kristel Padasas, a young Catholic volunteer who was killed in an accident at the site of the Tacloban Mass. The meeting took place in the Vatican Embassy to the Philippines. (AP Photo)

MANILA–Pope Francis on Sunday met with the father of Kristel Mae Padasas, the 27-year-old volunteer of the Catholic Relief Service who died after she was hit by a falling steel scaffolding in Tacloban.

Witnesses said a sudden gust of wind from tropisal storm Amang caused a steel scaffolding that served as platform of one of the laud speakers used during the Mass fell and hit the 27-year-old volunteer.

The Vatican Radio reported that Padasas’ father, Paulino, met the Pope yesterday in the Apostolic Nunciature in Manila.

The encounter lasted over 20 minutes with Manila Archbishop Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle acting as interpreter. Pope Francis gave Padasas’ father a rosary.

According to Fr. Federico Lombardi, director of the Holy See Press Office, two childhood photos of Kristel were on the table during the meeting.

He said the father was consoled by the fact that Padasas helped prepare for the Pope’s arrival. Before addressing the youth at the University of Santo Tomas yesterday, Pope Francis called on the people to offer a moment of silence and prayer for Padasas.

Her mother works in Hong Kong. She is the only child in the Padasas family

Padasas worked for Catholic Relief Services, the US bishops’ international relief and development agency, on a recovery project for Supertyphoon Yolanda (Haiyan).

“Her dedication to the people affected by the typhoon extended beyond her official work with CRS. The CRS Philippines mourns her loss along with her family, friends and loved ones,” the group’s statement said.