Pope Francis expressed condolences for Angelenos affected by the wind-driven fires burning through Los Angeles County in a message assuring them of his prayers Jan. 11
“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,” read a telegram sent by Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin to Archbishop José H. Gomez.
“Entrusting the souls of the deceased to the loving mercy of Almighty God, His Holiness sends heartfelt condolences to those who mourn their loss,” the message continued.
“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.”
The message was released as Los Angeles entered its fifth day of a wildfire “siege” marked by the continued spread of the stubborn Palisades Fire towards the LA neighborhoods of Brentwood and Encino, and the outbreak of smaller fires in parts of the city with dry vegetation.
Earlier in the week, the Archdiocese of Los Angeles announced the creation of the Wildfire Victims Emergency Relief Fund to help people affected by the fires. Parishes in the area have been asked to hold a second collection at masses in January to support the fund.
Meanwhile, parishes and schools around the Archdiocese continued to offer their facilities as shelters, and to gather and distribute clothes, supplies, and other donations for evacuees and survivors of the fires.
Pope Francis has sent similar messages of prayerful support to Los Angeles before, including after the Jan. 2023 mass shooting in Monterey Park and the shooting death of Auxiliary Bishop David G. O’Connell a month later.
