CNA Newsroom, 11 January, 2025 / 4:15 pm (ACI Africa).
Pope Francis expressed his condolences Saturday to Los Angeles communities affected by devastating wildfires that have destroyed homes and churches, including the historic Corpus Christi Catholic Church.
In a telegram released by the Vatican’s secretary of state, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the pope said he was “saddened by the loss of life and the widespread destruction” caused by the fires near Los Angeles.
The pontiff entrusted “the souls of the deceased to the loving mercy of Almighty God” and sent “heartfelt condolences to those who mourn their loss.”
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.
Archbishop José Gomez of Los Angeles, addressing the tragedy during a special Mass at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels on Thursday, called on Catholics to become “instruments” of God’s love amid the devastation.
