Pope consoles Chilean wildfire victims

(Vatican Radio) A wildfire has engulfed a huge swathe of the Chilean port city of Valparaiso, killing 12 people, and leaving thousands homeless. The fire, which broke out on Saturday, continues to blaze.

Pope Francis issued a message on Monday, through Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin, to the victims of the wildfire.

In a telegram, addressed to Bishop Gonzalo Duarte Garcia de Cortàzar of Valaparaiso, Cardinal Parolin said the Pope would like to express his spiritual closeness to the residents of Valaparaiso and offers prayers of support. He said the Pope shares in the sorrow of those who have lost their homes and belongings in the blaze.

In addition, the telegram reads, while the Pope supports the rescue teams with his prayer, he also urges authorities and the entire population not to lose heart before such adversity, because with the spirit of solidarity and fraternal charity those who need assistance may receive it.

The telegram also asked the bishop to relay to the families of those deceased the Pope’s condolences and to express his fatherly solicitude to the injured. Finally, the Pope imparted his blessing on the Chilean people.

Listen to the report by James Blears: