Search and rescue teams continue to look for survivors after deadly flooding in Kerr County, Texas
Pope Leo: We are praying for victims of Texas floods
Following the Angelus on Sunday, Pope Leo expresses “sincere
condolences” to all those who lost loved ones in devastating flash floods in
Texas.
By Christopher Wells
Speaking in English at the conclusion of the Angelus on
Sunday, Pope Leo offered his sincere condolences “to all the families who have
lost loved ones—in particular their daughters who were at summer camp—in the
disaster caused by the flooding of the Guadalupe River in Texas in the United
States. We pray for them.”
Waters rose approximately eight meters (26 feet) in just 45
minutes shortly before dawn on Friday morning, sweeping away everything in
their path. At least 51 people are known to have died in the tragedy, and
dozens more are missing, including 27 girls who were taking part in a Christian
summer camp in Kerr County, the hardest hit area.
Search and rescue efforts were underway despite ongoing
rains that threaten further flash floods.
In a statement Friday morning, the Archdiocese of San
Antonio requested prayers for all affected by the “historic” flooding,
especially for those who died and for those still missing. Noting the many
individuals and organizations assisting victims, the Archdiocesan statement
said, “It is our prayer that those impacted by the floods will find the
strength to rebuild,” adding, “We pledge to be with the people in these
challenging circumstances. Let us answer Christ’s call to love one another.”
Replace violence with
dialogue
Pope Leo also used the occasion of the Angelus to appeal
once again for peace throughout the world. In remarks in Italian, the Holy
Father said, “Dear friends, peace is the desire of all peoples, and it is the
painful cry of those torn apart by war.”
He called for prayers, saying “Let us ask the Lord to touch
the hearts and inspire the minds of government leaders, that they might replace
the violence of weapons with the search for dialogue.
‘A short period of
rest’
The Holy Father also had greetings and words of
encouragement for the faithful of Rome as well as for pilgrims from Italy and
around the world. “In the great heat of this period, your journey to cross the
Holy Doors is even more courageous and admirable.”
Finally, Pope Leo noted that he will be travelling Sunday
afternoon to the papal residence of Castel Gandolfo, just outside of Rome, “for
a brief period of rest,” and expressed his hopes that all might enjoy a time of
vacation “that will restore body and spirit.”
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