ASIA/HONG KONG – Pope Leo XIV expresses deep sadness and closeness to the victims of the Tai Po Fire; the Diocese of Hong Kong mobilizes to provide aid

Hong Kong – Deep sadness and spiritual closeness are Pope Leo XIV’s first thoughts toward the victims of the fire in the Tai Po district of Hong Kong. A telegram was sent on behalf of the Holy Father Leo XIV by Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin, to His Eminence Cardinal Stephen Chow Sau-Yan, S.J., bishop of Hong Kong, for the victims of the fire in the Tai Po district of Hong Kong. The Bishop of Rome, currently on his first apostolic journey to Turkey, wrote that he carries in his heart “all those affected by this calamity, especially the injured and the families mourning their loved ones.” He also entrusted “the deceased to the loving mercy of Almighty God and prayed for emergency personnel who continue to provide medical assistance and search for those still missing.” Finally, the Pope invoked “divine blessings of strength, consolation and peace upon all.” Pope Leo’s words offer a source of comfort to the people of the so-called “Pearl of the Orient,” in this tragic moment. Images of the devastating fire, broadcast worldwide, have deeply affected everyone. Today, in all Catholic churches, prayers were offered for the victims and for the city of Hong Kong during the celebration of Mass. The Diocese of Hong Kong has mobilized immediately. In a statement issued by the Secretariat of the Episcopal Curia, entitled “Fundraising for the victims of the Hong Fuk Court fire, Tai Po,” it reads: “To express solidarity with the victims and rescue personnel, Cardinal Chow Shou-jen invites the faithful to offer special prayers for them. As an emergency relief effort, all parishes are invited to take up a collection during Masses on Sunday, November 30.” This collection will be managed through Caritas Hong Kong, with the reference “Support for Tai Po Hung Fuk Court Fire Victims.” In addition, all diocesan websites and the Kung Kao Po newsletter are temporarily displaying their images in black and white, including pictures of lit candles as a sign of mourning and prayer. The fire, which occurred on November 26 in Hong Fuk Court, a residential complex with 2,000 apartments, has left more than 4,000 residents homeless. The number of victims, still provisional, continues to rise. During the latest press conference held by the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Department of Security, Chris Tang Ping-keung, the department’s secretary, provided an update on the search and rescue operations. So far, the fire has claimed 128 lives, including a firefighter who was participating in the relief efforts. It is estimated that nearly 300 people remain missing and around 30 are hospitalized, some in serious condition.

Read original article