(Vatican Radio) Pope Francis expressed his concern for the victims of wildfires that
are raging throughout the Australian state of New South Wales. In a message addressed
to the Bishops’ Conference of Australia, the Vatican’s new Secretary of State, Archbishop
Pietro Parolin, said the Holy Father was praying “especially for those who have died
and for those who have lost their homes and workplaces, as well as for the numerous
personnel working to combat the fires and provide comfort and care for those who are
suffering.”
Firefighters in Australia are focusing on a major blaze near the
town of Lithgow that stretches along a 300-kilometer front.
Authorities warned
Sunday that high temperatures and winds were likely to maintain heightened fire danger
for days.
The fires have killed one man, destroyed a total of 208 homes in
New South Wales state and damaged another 122 since Thursday.
Below,
please find the complete text of the Message from the Holy Father on the Brushfires
in Australia:
From the Vatican, 19 October, 2013 His Holiness
Pope Francis has asked me to express his concern for the people of New South Wales
and all who are affected the devastation wrought by the extensive fires in the region. He
prays especially for those who have died and for those who have lost their homes and
workplaces, as well as for the numerous personnel working to combat the fires and
provide comfort and care for those who are suffering. Invoking the spiritual gifts
of solidarity and perseverance upon the communities touched by these trying events,
the Holy Father sends his blessing. +Archbishop Pietro Parolin, Secretary of State