Pope Francis expressed his condolences this Saturday to the communities of Los Angeles (United States) affected by the devastating wildfires that have destroyed homes and temples, including the historic Catholic church of Corpus Christi.
In a telegram released by Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the pope said he was “saddened by the loss of life and widespread destruction” caused by the fires near Los Angeles.
Receive the main news from ACI Prensa by WhatsApp and Telegram
It is increasingly difficult to see Catholic news on social media. Subscribe to our free channels today:
The Pontiff entrusted “the souls of the deceased to the loving mercy of Almighty God” and sent his “heartfelt condolences to those who mourn their losses.”
US President Joe Biden canceled his upcoming visit to Italy – which would have included a meeting with Pope Francis – to address the ongoing crisis in Southern California.
Los Angeles Archbishop José Gomez, addressing the tragedy Thursday during a special Mass at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels, asked Catholics to become “instruments” of God’s love amid the devastation. The Archdiocese has created a donation portal to help the community.
The fires started Tuesday and spread quickly due to dry conditions and hurricane-force Santa Ana winds. Multiple fires remained uncontrolled across thousands of acres as firefighters worked to control them.
Among the destroyed structures was the Corpus Christi Catholic Church. However, in what some consider miraculous, a statue of the Virgin Mary survived the fire that consumed a parishioner’s home, the only item left standing after the fire reduced the building to ashes.
The Archdiocese is coordinating with local Catholic agencies to provide resources to those affected by the fires.
Translated and adapted by the ACI Prensa team. Originally published in CNA.
AC Wimmer
AC Wimmer is founding editor-in-chief of CNA Deutsch. This polyglot Australian, raised in Bavaria and South Africa, held senior positions at Australia’s SBS and was editor-in-chief of the historic Münchner Kirchenzeitung. Graduated in Philosophy and Chinese Studies from the University of Melbourne, Anian Christoph Wimmer – Chinese name 刘威猛 – was part of the jury for the Media Prize of the German Bishops’ Conference, is a former honorary researcher in Communications at the University of Melbourne and was part of the Caritas Council in Munich.