Pope expresses closeness to victims of deadly storm in Portugal

Vatican News

Having learned of the serious consequences of the passage of Strom Kristin across Portugal, which has devastated the central part of the country, Pope Leo XIV expressed his condolences for those who have lost their lives and spiritual closeness to their families.

The Pope’s words of solidarity and prayer came in a telegram signed on his behalf by Vatican Secretary of State, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, and addressed to the President of the Portuguese Bishops’ Conference, Bishop José Ornelas Carvalho.

Six people died as the storm swept across mainland Portugal this week, with winds reaching 202 kilometres per hour. It left a trail of destruction across eight districts and affected the electricity supply to around 1 million people.

Hundreds were left homeless, and infrastructure was damaged in Lisbon, Leiria, Coimbra, Castelo Branco, Portalegre, Santarém, Setúbal and Guarda.

“Feeling deeply close to the situation of the injured, the displaced, and all those who have been severely affected by the extensive damage caused by this storm,” Pope Leo said he is praying for “the national and local authorities, as well as for the civil, military, and religious institutions that are joining together to provide assistance.”

He expressed "appreciation for the commitment of ecclesial organisations and for the spontaneous mutual assistance of individual citizens," and said he implores God “for the balm of solidarity and the light of Christian hope,” and entrusted those affected to the intercession of Our Lady of Fátima.