Pope offers prayers for those impacted by LA wildfires
By CNS – As wildfires continued to burn, Pope Francis assured the people of Los Angeles of his prayers.
“Entrusting the souls of the deceased to the loving mercy of almighty God, His Holiness sends heartfelt condolences to those who mourn their loss,” said a telegram sent by Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Vatican secretary of state, to Archbishop José H. Gomez of Los Angeles.
The fires, fueled by dry conditions and warm winds, began on Jan. 7. The Los Angeles County medical examiner’s office said 11 people had been confirmed dead as of Jan. 11, the Associated Press reported. More than 150,000 people were ordered to evacuate their homes and thousands of structures, including houses and churches, have been destroyed.
The telegram to Archbishop Gomez, released by the Vatican on Jan. 11, said, “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.”
“He likewise prays for the relief efforts of the emergency services personnel and imparts his blessing to all as a pledge of consolation and strength in the Lord,” it said.
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