VATICAN (OSV News): Pope Leo XIV offered prayers as firefighters continue to battle massive wildfires in Spain and France that have forced hundreds of thousands to evacuate from their homes.
“As devastating wildfires affect the various regions of France and Spain, I express my closeness to all those who have been affected and invite everyone to pray for them and for the emergency personnel engaged in relief efforts,” Pope Leo told pilgrims July 26 gathered outside the papal residence at Castel Gandolfo.
The Reuters news agency reported that the deadly fire that began mid-July in the Gironde region in southern France is spreading rapidly and advancing toward the city of Bordeaux, threatening one of the French economy’s most important wine-producing centres.
While no civilian casualties have been reported, two firefighters died while battling fires near Bordeaux–Mérignac airport, according to a July 21 report by BBC News.
In a July 26 statement, the French Bishops’ Conference assured their prayers for those affected by the wildfires, especially those “who lost their possessions or the fruits of their labour, as well as injured firefighters “and the families of those who gave their lives.”
The bishops said, “We invite Catholics to generously participate in the growing solidarity efforts. We encourage parishes to keep their churches open whenever possible: many offer a welcome respite from the summer heat.”
“Parish halls can also serve as shelters for displaced people, providing them with the rest, comfort, and practical assistance they need,” the statement said.
The bishops noted, “Since the beginning of summer, the wildfires raging across France have already burned nearly 100,000 hectares, displaced approximately 170,000 people, and destroyed countless homes and forests.”
As the extreme summer temperatures of up to 40 degrees centigrade continued to rage across Europe, the bishops called on Catholics “not to forget the sick, the elderly, or those who are isolated, but to pay them extra attention and to organise themselves, within their parishes, to show them a fraternal and faithful presence.”
In Spain, deadly wildfires have burnt over 190,000 acres of land across the Madrid, Toledo and Avila provinces and nearly 100,000 residents have been forced to evacuate, according to Reuters.
The Archdiocese of Madrid issued a statement on July 25 saying it was joining in prayer for those affected by the wildfires in Spain.
“In these particularly difficult times, the diocese offers its prayers for all those suffering the consequences of the fires and for all those working to combat this situation,” the archdiocese said, adding that José Cardinal Cobo asked parishes to include a special intention during Sunday Masses “to ask the Lord for an end to the fires and for comfort and strength for all those affected.”
