United States

Pope Francis Offers Prayers for Harvey Victims

The pope's message was sent to the archbishop of Galveston-Houston

Pope Francis on Thursday expressed his sympathy to those suffering in the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey, saying he was praying for the victims and their families.

The pope's message, sent to Cardinal Daniel DiNardo, Archbishop of Galveston-Houston and President of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, notes the affected area's "immense and immediate needs."

Here is the full text of the pope's message, which was released by Cardinal Petro Parolin:

"His Holiness Pope Francis asks you kindly to convey the assurance of his spiritual closeness and pastoral concern to all those affected by the violent hurricane that swept through the states of Texas and Louisiana in these days. Deeply moved by the tragic loss of life and the immense material devastation that this natural catastrophe has left in its wake, he prays for the victims and their families, and for all those engaged in the vital work of relief, recovery and rebuilding. He likewise trusts that the immense and immediate needs of so many individuals and communities will continue to inspire a vast outpouring of solidarity and mutual aid in the best traditions of the nation. With these sentiments, and with the renewed promise of his prayers, the Holy Father sends his blessing as a pledge of consolation, strength and peace in the Lord." 

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