Pope Francis has sent a letter to the people of Chile, has offered prayers and met with the apostolic nuncio to the South American country, Archbishop Ivo Scapolo, as wildfires continue to wipe out entire towns and force hundreds of thousands to flee their homes.
So far 10 people have been killed - including one firefighter - as Chile battles with the worst wildfires in its history: more than 120 separate fires are raging, destroying about 385,000 acres of forest.
The fires have been raging in central and southern Chile, fanned by strong winds, hot temperatures and a prolonged drought. Emergency services have battled the flames non-stop for days with thousands of firefighters on the ground and helicopters and small airplanes in the air.
Francis voicing his nearness to everyone suffering from the devastating effects of the wildfires which have been spreading across the country for over a week now.
The letter, sent on behalf of the Holy Father by Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin, to the president of the Chile bishops' conference, conveys Francis' condolences for the deceased and their families in “this beloved country.”
Pope Francis, the message said, wanted to convey "his condolences to the families of the victims and expressed his spiritual closeness to the wounded and those who suffer the consequences of this catastrophe."
The pope also prayed that God would give the victims "strength and consolation" while inspiring "in everyone feelings of solidarity" so they may work together "to lessen the pain and overcome adversities."
The pope met privately Jan. 26 with Archbishop Ivo Scapolo, apostolic nuncio to Chile.
The wildfires, which began in early January, have claimed the lives of four firefighters and two police officers. Over 4,000 people have been evacuated from areas decimated by the blazes.
"We have never seen something of this size, never in Chile's history. And the truth is the (firefighting) forces are doing everything that is humanly possible and will continue to do so until the fires are contained and controlled," President Michelle Bachelet said, according to the Reuters news agency.
While wildfires are frequent during months of high temperatures and low humidity, the blazes that began in Valparaiso have spread due to a prolonged drought.
Chile's national forestry service reported Jan. 25 that of the 131 separate blazes, only 23 have been extinguished, while 55 remain out of control.
Firefighters and experts from the United States, France, Peru and Mexico are helping to fight the wildfires.
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