Pope Francis expressed deep sorrow and spiritual solidarity with the victims of devastating wildfires in Los Angeles during his Sunday Angelus address on January 12.
Speaking from St. Peter’s Square, he said, “I am close to the residents of Los Angeles County, California, where devastating wildfires have flared in recent days. I pray for all of you.”
In a telegram sent to Archbishop José H. Gomez of Los Angeles on January 11, the pontiff also conveyed his condolences through Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican’s Secretary of State.
“Saddened by the loss of life and the widespread destruction caused by the fires near Los Angeles, His Holiness Pope Francis assures you and the communities affected by this tragedy of his spiritual closeness,” the message read. The pope prayed for the souls of the deceased and offered his blessing to emergency responders.
The wildfires began on January 7 and have since claimed at least 24 lives, displaced over 150,000 residents and destroyed thousands of structures, including the Corpus Christi Catholic Church in Pacific Palisades, which was reduced to rubble.
During a special Mass, Archbishop Gomez of Los Angeles also addressed the tragedy, urging the faithful to become “instruments” of God’s compassion. “Love is what is asked from us in this challenging moment,” he said, emphasizing the need for solidarity and action to aid those affected.
Pope Francis concluded his Sunday address by encouraging prayers for peace worldwide, invoking God’s mercy for those suffering in the wake of the fires.
Pray for victims of the LA wild fires!
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