Pope Francis expresses sorrow for wildfire victims in
Portugal
(Vatican Radio) Pope
Francis sent a letter on Monday to express his sorrow over the loss of life and
property in Portugal, where wildfires have killed at least 4 people and caused
hundreds to evacuate their homes.
The letter – addressed to the
bishop of Funchal, Antonio Carrilho, and signed by the Vatican Secretary of
State, Cardinal Pietro Parolin – was read out during the celebration of Holy
Mass for Our Lady of the Mount, Patroness of Funchal.
In the message, Pope Francis
said he is “appalled by the sad news of the terrible fires raging on the island
of Madeira” and expressed his “condolences and participation in the pain” of
all those affected.
The Holy Father also conveyed
“solidarity and spiritual closeness” for those displaced by the wildfires and
prayed for the quick healing of the wounded and “courage and consolation in
Christian hope” for all involved.
Finally, Pope Francis
expressed his gratitude for the more than 2,000 firefighters battling the
flames which have killed 5 people: 4 on the Portugese island of Madeira and
1 in neighboring Spain.
During his homily for the
celebration of Our Lady of the Mount in which the message was read, Bishop
Carrilho repeated the Pope’s message of sorrow.
“We cannot but remember those
who have died and express our deepest solidarity to all who have experienced
angst and suffering, in particular those who have lost their homes and
belongings.”
Bishop Carrilho then praised
the many “acts of solidarity” performed in the face of danger and the “strength
and courage” of the Portugese people.
(Devin Sean Watkins)
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