Pope Francis is offering his prayers for the victims of the devastating wildfires in Los Angeles County, church officials said Saturday.
The pope sent a telegram to Los Angeles Archbishop José H. Gomez that was released by the Vatican’s secretary of state, Cardinal Pietro Parolin.
“His Holiness Pope Francis assures you and the communities affected by this tragedy of his spiritual closeness,” the message said. “Entrusting the souls of the deceased to the loving mercy of Almighty God, His Holiness sends heartfelt condolences to those who mourn their loss. He likewise prays for the relief efforts of the emergency services personnel and imparts his blessing to all as a pledge of consolation and strength in the Lord.”
The letter from Cardinal Parolin can be found at lacatholics.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Message-from-Pope-Francis.pdf.
The Los Angeles Archdiocese has created a Wildfire Victims Emergency Relief Fund to help all those suffering from the recent fires and has asked parishes to hold a second collection during the month of January. The fund will provide financial support to victims of the fires for food, clothing and other needs. Those in need of assistance can contact their local parish to request a grant from the fund.
Donations to help the victims of the fires can also be made online at lacatholics.org/california-fires/. A list of resources and support offered by Catholic parishes, schools and ministries to help victims of the fires can be found at angelusnews.com/local/la-catholics/la-fires-catholic-help/. It will be updated on an ongoing basis.