Pope Leo XIV Sends Prayers and Condolences After the Hong Kong Fire

Pope Leo's Telegram to Hong Kong

Pope Leo XVI expresses dismay at the fire that destroyed a number of apartment blocks in Hong Kong, Tai Po, and assures those affected of his prayers.

On Thursday he sent a telegram to Cardinal Stephen Chow Sau-Yan, Bishop of Hong Kong, signed for him by Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin. He expressed his “spiritual closeness to all those touched by this tragedy, especially the injured and those who mourn”.

"I entrust the souls of the departed," he added, "to the compassionate mercy of the Almighty and pray for the emergency responders who continue to provide medical assistance and search for the missing.”

The Tai Po Fire Tragedy

At least 55 people are dead and nearly 300 are missing after a fire tore through a high-rise public housing building in Hong Kong on Wednesday. Authorities say the fire, which destroyed seven of eight tower blocks, has now been brought under control. About 300 people are unaccounted for.

Pope Leo ended his telegram by calling upon the "divine blessings of strength, comfort, and peace" for everyone.