Pope Francis expresses grief as LA wildfires devastate houses of worship; Faith leaders across communities rally to rebuild
Pope Francis expressed his sadness over the devastation caused by the recent wildfires in California, offering spiritual support to the victims in a telegram sent to the Archbishop of Los Angeles. «Saddened by the loss of life and the widespread destruction,» the pope conveyed his «spiritual closeness» to those affected, according to Vatican Secretary of State Pietro Parolin, reported the Associated Press.
Among the most tragic losses were houses of worship, including the Pasadena Jewish Temple and Center, which was destroyed by the flames. Cantor Ruth Berman Harris, along with three others, risked their lives to rescue Torah scrolls from the temple as the fire approached. «It’s the heartbeat of any Jewish community,» Berman Harris of the Torah told the Associated Press. Her quick action, despite road closures, saved the sacred texts, but the synagogue itself was lost.
«The flames were getting closer,» she explained, recalling how a nearby congregant called her to alert her about the danger. The temple, a cornerstone of the community for over 80 years, was reduced to a few walls and empty space. «There’s absolutely nothing except for a few walls and the empty space,» said Melissa Levy, the synagogue's executive director. Nevertheless, the AP report noted that many congregants have visited the site to say their farewells to a place where they celebrated family milestones and faith, reported the Associated Press.
Other houses of worship suffered similar fates. In Pasadena and Altadena, several mosques, churches,
