Pope sends messages of support to those affected by fires and storms

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Source: Vatican News

Pope Francis sent two messages today, Friday 28 July, in which he expresses his solidarity and spiritual closeness to citizens in Greece and Italy who are dealing with destruction caused by severe storms and widespread wildfires hitting the nations. He also thanks the emergency workers who have come to help them.

In his telegram sent by Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Vatican Secretary of State, to Bishop Petros Stefànou, President of the Bishops' Conference of Greece, the Pope said he was "deeply concerned" by the life-threatening and widespread wildfires in various parts of Greece that have caused much damage due to the current heatwave affecting southern European countries.

"His holiness assures all those affected of his spiritual closeness and prays in a particular way that Almighty God will bless the efforts of the firefighters and other emergency personnel to combat this hazardous situation."

The Pope also writes that he hopes that "the risks to our common home, exacerbated by the present climate crisis, will spur all people to renew their efforts to care for the gift of creation, for the sake of future generations."

In his telegram to the President of the Italian Episcopal Conference, Cardinal Matteo Zuppi, the Pope recalled the severe thunderstorms and fires that in recent days have caused destruction in parts of Italy. He expressed his closeness to all those hit by extreme weather events that highlight the need to make "courageous and far-sighted efforts" to deal with the challenges brought by climate change and the responsibility to protect the environment and care for our common home.

The Pope in his message conveyed by Cardinal Parolin said he prays that "the Lord, through the intercession of the Virgin Mary, may bring comfort to all those suffering the consequences of such grave disasters." He also expressed his appreciation for all those providing assistance, in particular the fire fighters, and he imparted his Apostolic Blessing.