Pope expresses sadness over Australian fires

(Feb.11, 2009):- Pope Benedict XVI assured Australia of his closeness in prayer for the victims of the bushfires in Victoria, and for the assistance organizations, who have gone to their rescue. Vatican Secretary of State, Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone, affirmed this on Tuesday, in a message sent to the Governor-General of Australia, Quentin Bryce. The death toll has reached 181, with many people still missing. Hundreds of families have lost their homes and are living in temporary shelter.
Earlier on Monday, the president of the Australian bishops' conference, Archbishop Philip Wilson, said that "the Catholic Church would do all it could, both spiritually and practically, to stand in solidarity with those affected.” In addition, Catholic relief agencies, such as St. Vincent de Paul and Centacare are already at work."