Pope Francis: ‘My heart is with Los Angeles’

Deborah Castellano Lubov

“My heart is with the people of Los Angeles,” Pope Francis stressed in his latest call to pray for those who have suffered from the devastating wildfires in the US state of California.

In his calls to conclude his general audience on Wednesday, the pope acknowledged that they “had suffered so much from the fires that devastated entire neighborhoods and communities” and that “it was not over.”

“May Our Lady of Guadalupe,” Pope Francis prayed, “intercede for all inhabitants so that they may be witnesses of hope through the strength of diversity and creativity for which they are known throughout the world.” .

Previous calls

The Holy Father has often thought of the residents of Los Angeles since the wildfires wreaked havoc and claimed lives.

After reciting the Angelus prayer on Sunday, the Pope said: “I am close to the people of Los Angeles County, California, where devastating forest fires have broken out in recent days: I pray for all of you. »

On Saturday, the Pope sent a telegram to Mgr. José Gomez, Archbishop of Los Angeles, in which he expressed his deep sadness for the “loss of human lives” and “widespread destruction” caused by the fires that continue to burn near the city ​​of Los Angeles.

Pope Francis reassured Archbishop Gomez and the communities affected by the tragedy of his spiritual closeness and, entrusting the souls of the deceased to “the loving mercy of Almighty God,” sent his sincere condolences to those who mourn their loss.

The Pope also prayed for the relief efforts of emergency service personnel and gave his blessing to all “as a token of consolation and strength in the Lord.”

Fires in the Los Angeles area have killed at least 28 people, destroyed more than 15,000 structures and charred some 63 square miles.

READ THE FULL TELEGRAM FROM THE POPE HERE