Pope Leo XIV prayed for the victims and families affected by the recent flood disaster in Texas.
The Holy Father, speaking in English, expressed his “sincere condolences” to “families who have lost loved ones, in particular their daughters, who were at the summer camp, in the disaster caused by flooding of the Guadalupe river in Texas in the United States” after praying the Angelus with pilgrims gathered in St. Peter’s Square.
More than 20 children attending the all-girls summer camp are currently missing after flash floods struck Texas Hill Country in the early hours of July 4, CNN reported on Sunday.
Aid organizations, including the Catholic Charities Mobile Relief Unit, have since mobilized services to provide food, shelter and water to flood victims forced to evacuate their homes.
The death toll continues to rise as rescue and recovery efforts enter into its third day. At least 50 people have been confirmed dead, according to CNN.
Pope Leo also asked his listeners on Sunday to pray for peace and for those who live in a state of war: “Let us ask the Lord to touch the hearts and inspire the minds of governments, so that the violence of weapons is replaced by the search for dialogue.”