Pope Leo XIV prays for victims of wildfires in Europe

By Linda Bordoni 

Pope Leo XIV expressed his closeness to those affected by the devastating wildfires sweeping parts of France and Spain, and invited the faithful to pray for victims and emergency responders.

As vast wildfires continue to force mass evacuations in southwestern France and central Spain, threatening communities and stretching emergency services, the Pope turned his thoughts to those suffering from the disaster.

Speaking during the Sunday Angelus in Castel Gandolfo, he said, “In light of the devastating wildfires that have affected various parts of France and Spain in recent days, I wish to express my closeness and invite everyone to pray for those who have been affected and for the tireless efforts of the emergency responders.”

Recent days have seen hundreds of thousands of people displaced as firefighters battle blazes fuelled by extreme heat, strong winds and prolonged drought.

World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly

Pope Leo also recalled that the Church is celebrating the Sixth World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly, observed this year under the theme taken from the Prophet Isaiah: “I will never forget you” (Is 49:15).

“Together, let us give thanks to the Lord for the gift that older people are to the Church and to society,” he said.

The Pope encouraged everyone to “respect and value their precious role” and to ensure that grandparents and the elderly “always receive the care, attention and assistance they deserve.”