Bohol quake survivors remember Pope Francis’ fatherly presence (2025)

TAGBILARAN CITY, BOHOL, Philippines — Meeting Pope Francis in January 2015 has changed the life of Salome Israel who lost her right arm during a magnitude 7.2 earthquake that brought Bohol province to its knees two years earlier.

“When I met Pope Francis, I was struck by his mercy and compassion to all of us survivors of [Super Typhoon] ‘Yolanda’ (international name: Haiyan) and the earthquake. His presence brought us hope and strengthened our faith in God,” Israel said.

Israel, 34, was among the five Boholano survivors of the earthquake who were given the privilege of joining Pope Francis for lunch at the Archbishop’s Residence in Palo, Leyte, on Jan. 17, 2015.

The Argentine Pontiff, who died at the age of 88 on Monday, visited Tacloban despite heavy rains brought by a typhoon to console the people who were still reeling from the devastation of Yolanda, which killed at least 2,300 people in Leyte’s capital city on Nov. 8, 2013.

READ: Pope Francis in PH: A look back at his 2015 trip to Manila, Leyte

While in Tacloban, he had lunch with five Boholanos who survived the earthquake that struck Bohol on Oct. 15, 2013, less than a month before the onslaught of Yolanda.

Among them was Israel, a native of Tubigon town in Bohol, who considered her meeting with Pope Francis as one of the most memorable and precious moments of her life.

Israel, who lost her right arm after she was pinned by a concrete wall during the quake, gave the Pope a replica of a nipa hut with a guitar and a letter.

She said the Pope helped her change her outlook on life.

“After meeting him, many things changed in my life. My faith grew stronger, and countless blessings began to unfold. I felt special, deeply loved and guided, as if his presence continued to watch over me. His words and his spirit gave me hope, strength and a renewed sense of purpose,” she said.

Israel, now a teacher, says the encounter was life-changing. —Photo by Leo Udtohan

Inspiration

Inspired by Pope Francis, Israel continued to study and finished a Bachelor in Secondary Education in June 2022. Three months later, she passed the licensure examination for teachers. She is now a teacher at Holy Family of Nazareth School in her hometown.

“I feel deep sadness upon knowing that Pope Francis is dead. His passing feels profoundly personal to me. He was not only a spiritual leader, but also a guiding light in my life—someone whose presence brought comfort and hope. He inspired me to live with greater kindness and purpose,” she said.

Another quake survivor who was with Israel during their lunch with Pope Francis was saddened by the death of the leader of the Roman Catholic Church.

“Salamat (Thank you), Pope Francis. You have inspired me to persevere in my priestly vocation ever since your visit to the Philippines in 2015,” said Saturnino Barace Jr., 30, who is studying at St. Augustine Major Seminary in Tagaytay City.

Barace’s parents, sister, and 5-year-old nephew were buried alive when the ground cracked and swallowed them in seconds. His body was half-buried when rescuers found him.

Barace said he could still remember Pope Francis telling them during lunch: “Please pray for me, and I will pray for you.”

“Your inspiring words and wisdom consoled me deeply as I listened to you. I experienced your fatherly hug and witnessed your humble gestures before the flock,” Barace said.