Pope Francis sent a telegram of solidarity for devastating fires in the US city of Los Angeles, California, and recalled his appeal to pray for peace.
“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,” said Pope Francis after the Angelus Prayer on January 12th.
His prayers were also conveyed in a telegram addressed to Archbishop José Gomez of Los Angeles on Saturday in which he expressed his deep sadness over the “loss of life” and “widespread destruction” caused by the fires that continue to burn and caused 16 deaths with over 10,000 destroyed.
Five of the deaths reported are due to the “Palisades Fire” and 11 resulted from the “Eaton Fire”, according to a statement by the Los Angeles County coroner’s office on Saturday evening.
Officials said they expected that figure to rise as teams with emergency dogs search in neighbourhoods.
The pope also baptized 21 babies on Sunday morning, Pope Francis asked for prayers for them and their families.
He also mentioned the beatification of a missionary priest, Don Giovanni Merlini, whom he described as “a prudent advisor to many souls and a messenger of peace.”
“Let us invoke his intercession as we pray for peace in Ukraine, the Middle East, and the entire world,” the Pope said reiterating his tireless appeal and reminder that war is always a defeat.
“Let us not fail to pray for peace. Let us remember that war is always a defeat.”
Source: Vatican News
FULL TEXT Telegram of Pope Francis: "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. Entrusting the souls of the deceased to the loving mercy of Almighty God, His Holiness sends heartfelt condolences to those who mourn their loss. 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."
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