- 07 July, 2025
Vatican City, July 7, 2025: Pope Leo XIV on Sunday expressed heartfelt condolences to the families of those who lost their lives in the devastating flash floods in Texas, United States.
Speaking in English during his weekly Angelus address at St. Peter’ Square, the Holy Father said, “I offer my sincere condolences to all the families who have lost loved ones—in particular, their daughters who were at summer camp—in the disaster caused by the flooding of the Guadalupe River in Texas. We pray for them.”
The Pope’s remarks came as search and rescue operations continue for dozens of people, including children, who have gone missing due to the floods.
The tragedy occurred early Friday morning, when the waters of the Guadalupe River in Kerr County rose approximately eight meters (26 feet) in just 45 minutes. The sudden surge of water swept away everything in its path, inundating several surrounding areas.
As of Sunday, at least 51 people are confirmed dead, with dozens more still missing. Among those unaccounted for are 27 girls who were attending a Christian summer camp in Kerr County, the hardest-hit area. Search and rescue efforts are ongoing despite continued rainfall, which poses a risk of further flash flooding.
Pope Leo also used the occasion of the Angelus to appeal once again for peace throughout the world.
In remarks in Italian, the Holy Father said, “Dear friends, peace is the desire of all peoples, and it is the painful cry of those torn apart by war.” He called for prayers, saying, “Let us ask the Lord to touch the hearts and inspire the minds of government leaders, that they might replace the violence of weapons with the search for dialogue.
The Holy Father also had greetings and words of encouragement for the faithful of Rome as well as for pilgrims from Italy and around the world who were undertaking their Jubilee Year pilgrimage. “In the great heat of this period, your journey to cross the Holy Doors is even more courageous and admirable.”
Finally, Pope Leo noted that he will be travelling Sunday afternoon to the papal residence of Castel Gandolfo, just outside of Rome, “for a brief period of rest”, and expressed his hopes that all might enjoy a time of vacation “that will restore body and spirit.”
Courtesy: Vatican News
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