Pope Francis has expressed deep concern and solidarity with those impacted by the severe flash floods in eastern Spain, offering prayers and blessings to the victims and their families.
In a video message to local Archbishop Luis Javier Argüello García, the Pope said, "I am close to them in this moment of catastrophe and I am praying for them". He also sent them a blessing virtually.
Authorities in Spain say at least 205 people have died as a result of the floods, which followed torrential rain on Tuesday. Much of the damage has been done in the Valencia region, where 202 people have been confirmed as dead so far. Whole areas have been left covered in mud and hundreds of military personnel have been deployed to the region to help with search and clean-up operations.
During a Mass on Wednesday, Archbishop Enrique Benavent of Valencia asked parishioners to pray for those who had died and encouraged everyone to assist in any way possible.
“Parish buildings have also sustained damage, but we must continue to offer support to those in need,” he said. “It is essential to remember those suffering during this time. May everyone affected feel the solidarity of the Christian community and find in the Church a source of support and companionship.”
Rev Steven Campbell, a Church of Ireland minister now serving the ex-pat community in the nearby city of Torrevieja, told Premier that churches across different denominations were working together in Valencia to help those most desperately in need of emergency relief by providing water, food, and blankets. He noted that, while local families often have extended family networks to rely on, immigrants face greater hardship as many lack local support systems.
Rev Steven also referenced Romans 12:15, “mourn with those who mourn,” as a guiding verse during this tragedy. “First of all, I think we must pray for those who have lost loved ones. Survivors, too, have lost so much — homes, property, businesses. We must also pray for those involved in the rescue efforts and for the churches, that they may bring light and hope in this dark and seemingly hopeless situation,” he said.
Various factors, including drivers becoming trapped in their cars, poor planning by officials, and heavy rainfall made worse by climate change have been cited as factors that contributed to the deadliness of the disaster.
