Pope Francis has expressed his condolences for those affected by the wildfires raging in Portugal and Spain.
In a letter addressed to the Bishop of Funchal on August 16, the Pontiff said he was “appalled” by the news of the terrible fires on the island of Madeira. The Pope went on to convey “solidarity and spiritual closeness” with those affected.
He said he would be praying for “courage and consolation in Christian hope” as islanders assess the damage and get their lives back together.
The letter was read out by Bishop António José Cavaco Carrilho at a Mass service. The Bishop added: "We cannot but remember those who have died and express our deepest solidarity to all who have experienced angst and suffering, in particular those who have lost their homes and belongings."
