Pope's Response to the Southern California Fires

Dear Friends in Christ,

Here is a letter from The Holy Father and the Apostolic Nuncio in response to the recent fires in southern California.

APOSTOLIC NUNCIATURE
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
3339 Massachusetts Avenue, N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20008-3610

Prot. No. – 7303 29 October 2007

Your Excellency:

The Secretariat of State of His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI has instructed me to convey the following message:

“His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI was deeply saddened to learn of the tragic loss of life and damage to homes and other properties caused by extensive fires in Southern California and wishes to express his sympathy and closeness in prayer to those affected. He also offers his prayerful encouragement to the firefighters, rescue workers and all involved in bringing relief and support to the victims of this disaster. Commending the deceased to the loving mercy of Almighty God, His Holiness invokes upon their grieving families and all those injured, abundant divine graces of strength and comfort.”

Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone
Secretary of State

I take this opportunity to join the Holy Father in extending to you and to the Faithful whom you shepherd, an assurance of my prayers. May Our Lady of Consolation intercede for the people of California during this difficult time. With sentiments of esteem, I remain

Fraternally yours in Christ,
Archbishop Pietro Sambi
Apostolic Nuncio

__________________________
The Most Reverend Tod Brown
Bishop of Orange
2811 E. Villa Real Drive
P. O. Box 14195
Orange, CA 92863-1595