Pope Leo XIV has offered condolences to the victims of the flash floods in Texas, which have claimed the lives of at least 51 people, including young girls swept away while attending a Christian summer camp in Kerr County.
Speaking at the conclusion of the Sunday Angelus from St. Peter’s Square, the Pope addressed the tragedy directly, shifting briefly to English to express solidarity with grieving families across the United States.
“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 in the United States, we pray for them,” the Holy Father said.
The Pope’s remarks come as rescue efforts continue in Texas amid fears of renewed flash flooding.
Torrential rains sent the Guadalupe River surging over eight meters (26 feet) in less than an hour early Friday morning, washing away cabins and overturning vehicles in what officials have called one of the worst flood disasters in the state’s history.
DAILY POST reports that dozens remain unaccounted for, including 27 girls who had been participating in overnight activities at Camp Mystic, a Christian retreat center located near the river’s banks.
The Archdiocese of San Antonio, in a separate statement released on Friday, called for continued prayers and solidarity, describing the floods as “historic” and urging the faithful to support those affected.
“It is our prayer that those impacted by the floods will find the strength to rebuild,” the Archdiocese said.
“We pledge to be with the people in these challenging circumstances. Let us answer Christ’s call to love one another.”
In his wider Angelus message, Pope Leo also renewed his call for global peace, noting the suffering caused by conflicts around the world.
“Dear friends, peace is the desire of all peoples, and it is the painful cry of those torn apart by war,” he said in Italian.
“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.”
He praised the courage of pilgrims making their way through Rome’s Holy Doors in the summer heat and offered encouragement to all seeking rest and renewal.
“In the great heat of this period, your journey to cross the Holy Doors is even more courageous and admirable,” he said.
The Pope concluded by announcing he would be spending a brief period of rest at Castel Gandolfo, the papal residence outside Rome, and wished others a restorative vacation.
“May this be a time that restores both body and spirit,” he said.
