Pope Leo XIV prays for the victims of the Hong Kong fire.

Pope Leo XVI is saddened by the news of a fire in Hong Kong that engulfed numerous apartment buildings in the city’s Tai Po district, and says he is praying for all those affected.

He sent a telegram on Thursday addressed to Cardinal Stephen Chow Sau-Yan, Bishop of Hong Kong, which was signed on his behalf by Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin.

The Pope said he “sends the assurance of his spiritual solidarity to all those suffering from the effects of this calamity, especially the injured and the families who grieve.”

“Likewise,” the Pope continued, he “commends the souls of the deceased to the loving mercy of the Almighty, and offers prayers for the emergency personnel who continue to provide medical assistance and search for those who are still missing.”

At least 55 people have been killed, and nearly 300 are missing, after the fire blazed through a high-rise public housing complex in Hong Kong on Wednesday.

Authorities said the fire that tore through seven of eight tower blocks is now under control. Some 300 people are yet to be accounted for.

Pope Leo concluded his telegram by invoking “divine blessings of strength, consolation, and peace” upon all.