Originally published at National Catholic Register
The wildfires, which burned for a week across South Korea’s southeastern regions, have destroyed thousands of homes and businesses.
Pope Francis has expressed his sorrow for the victims of the devastating wildfires in South Korea, which killed 28 people and forced tens of thousands to evacuate.
In a message sent on the pope’s behalf by Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Francis conveyed his condolences to those mourning their loved ones and offered prayers for emergency personnel working to contain the fires.
“His Holiness Pope Francis is deeply concerned by the threat to life and the damage caused by the widespread wildfires in various parts of Korea,” Cardinal Parolin wrote on March 28.
“Entrusting the souls of the deceased to the loving mercy of Almighty God, he sends heartfelt condolences to those who mourn their loss. His Holiness likewise offers prayers for the injured and for the relief efforts of the firefighters and other emergency personnel. Upon all, he invokes the divine blessings of consolation, healing, and strength.”
The wildfires, which burned for a week across South Korea’s southeastern regions, have destroyed thousands of homes and businesses.
Fueled by dry weather and strong winds, the blazes scorched more
