Pope sends message to victims of wildfire on Madeira

Funchal, Wiki image by Hedwig Storch

Pope Francis has sent a letter to express his sorrow over the loss of life and property on the Portuguese island of Madeira, where wildfires have killed at least four people and forced hundreds to evacuate their homes.

The letter, addressed to the bishop of Funchal, the capital city of Madeira, Antonio Carrilho, and signed by the Vatican Secretary of State, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, was read out during 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 fires on Madeira and those fighting fires that have broken out in Galicia, in northwest Spain, and in an area of the French Mediterranean coast.

During his homily 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.

Source: ICN/Vatican Radio