Complex for Yolanda victims to be named after Pope Francis

Work has started on a complex for the elderly and sick named after Pope Francis, in one of the areas devastated by super Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan) in 2013.

The complex, to be named the "Pope Francis Complex Center for the Poor," is being built in Palo town in Leyte, radio dzBB's Carlo Mateo reported Friday.

Palo Archbishop John Du was quoted in the report as saying the center will have a home for the elderly and sick, a clinic, orphanage and a chapel.

Du said they expect to finish construction before the pope visits the Philippines in January 2015.

Also, the dzBB report said some representatives from the Vatican are due to arrive this July to coordinate with Philippine officials for the papal visit.

Meanwhile, a separate report on the Union of Catholic Asian News quoted Du as saying the center will get funding from the Pontifical Council Cor Unum.

Yolanda left more than 6,000 dead after devastating the Visayas and parts of Southern Luzon last November. — Joel Locsin /LBG, GMA News