Vatican City: During his Sunday Angelus address, Pope Leo XIV expressed heartfelt condolences and spiritual solidarity with the victims of the catastrophic floods in Texas, calling for global unity in compassion and peace.
Speaking in English to the faithful gathered in St. Peter’s 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 during the devastating flooding along the Guadalupe River in Texas. We pray for them.”
The Pope’s prayers come in the wake of a sudden and deadly flash flood that struck Kerr County early Friday morning. Waters surged up to eight meters (26 feet) within 45 minutes, sweeping through campsites and homes, leaving destruction in their wake. At least 51 lives have been lost, and many more remain missing including 27 young girls attending a Christian summer camp.
Despite ongoing rain and threats of more flooding, rescue operations are continuing across central Texas. The Archdiocese of San Antonio, in a statement released Friday, called the disaster “historic,” urging prayers for those still missing and for grieving families. The Archdiocese also praised the efforts of emergency responders and aid workers, reaffirming their commitment: “We pledge to stand by the affected communities. Let us answer Christ’s call to love one another.”
In addition to his message on the Texas tragedy, Pope Leo also took the opportunity to renew his call for peace across the globe. Speaking in Italian, he lamented the widespread violence still plaguing many parts of the world: “Peace is the yearning of all people, and the anguished cry of those wounded by war.”
He urged the faithful to pray that global leaders be moved to replace violence with genuine dialogue, saying, “May the Lord inspire the minds of rulers to lay down arms and pursue paths of reconciliation.”
Turning briefly to the faithful gathered from across Rome and the world, the Pope commended their devotion during this summer season, noting the "courage and determination” of pilgrims journeying to pass through the Holy Doors of Rome amid the heat.
Finally, Pope Leo announced that he would be leaving for Castel Gandolfo, the papal summer residence outside Rome, later in the afternoon for a short rest. “May these coming days offer everyone a moment of restoration for the body and the spirit,” he said, concluding his remarks with his characteristic pastoral warmth.