Pope prays for those affected by LA fires, asks for prayers for peace

Approaching smoke and flames - screenshot

Source: Vatican News, Angelus News

Pope Francis has expressed his concern for the thousands of people affected by devastating fires in Los Angeles and renews his appeal to pray for peace.

After the recitation of the Angelus today, (Sunday) Pope Francis said: "I am close to the residents of Los Angeles County, California, where devastating wildfires have flared in recent days: I pray for all of you,"

His words of solidarity and concern come in the wake of a telegram addressed to Archbishop José Gomez of Los Angeles on Saturday in which he expressed his deep sadness over the "loss of life" and "widespread destruction" caused by the fires that continue to burn near the city of Los Angeles.

Meanwhile, on Sunday the death toll from the wildfires ravaging the Los Angeles area rose to 16 as crews battled to cut off the spreading blazes before potentially strong winds return that could push the flames toward some of the city's most famous landmarks. A team of more than 70 firefighters has arrived from Mexico to join the 14,000 already working round the clock to fight the blazes.

Five of the deaths reported so far are attributed to the 'Palisades Fire' and 11 resulted from the 'Eaton Fire', according to a statement by the Los Angeles County coroner's office on Saturday evening.

Officials said they expected that figure to rise as teams with sniffer dogs conduct systematic grid searches in levelled neighbourhoods. Authorities have established a centre where people can report the missing. And as new evacuation warnings left more homeowners on edge, there are fears that winds could move the fires toward the J Paul Getty Museum and the University of California.

After expressing his joy after having baptized several babies on Sunday morning, Pope Francis asked for prayers for them and their families.

He also mentioned the beatification of a missionary priest, Don Giovanni Merlini, whom he described as "a prudent advisor to many souls and a messenger of peace."

"Let us invoke his intercession as we pray for peace in Ukraine, the Middle East, and the entire world," the Pope said reiterating his tireless appeal and reminder that war is always a defeat.

"Let us not fail to pray for peace. Let us remember that war is always a defeat."

Earlier in the week, the Archdiocese of Los Angeles announced the creation of the Wildfire Victims Emergency Relief Fund to help people affected by the fires. Parishes in the area have been asked to hold a second collection at Masses in January to support the fund.

Meanwhile, parishes and schools around the Archdiocese continued to offer their facilities as shelters, and to gather and distribute clothes, supplies, and other donations for evacuees and survivors of the fires.