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, and synagogues were destroyed, including Masjid Al-Taqwa, a mosque with a strong sense of community. "So many families called it their second home," Junaid Aasi, the mosque's volunteer imam, told the news agency. Aasi’s own house was among those destroyed in the fire. The mosque, which had been a gathering place for diverse communities, was particularly cherished for its warm environment and family-focused events, such as Ramadan celebrations, according to an AP report.

Samar Ghannoum, a long-time member of the mosque, was devastated to hear from her daughter that it had burned down. "When she called and said, ‘Mom, the masjid is burned,’ and was in tears, my heart broke," Ghannoum said, reported the Associated Press. Community members are now rallying to raise funds, already surpassing $100,000 by Friday night, to rebuild.

The destruction also hit the Altadena Community Church, which was known for its vibrant stained glass and choir. "It’s shocking," said Rev. Paul Tellström, the church’s pastor. "It’s a reminder to us of all of the fragility of life." Though the church itself is gone, the congregation remains resilient. "We are the church — not the building," Tellström declared, as members gathered to sing and pray outdoors, according to an AP report.

Similarly, AP reported that Altadena United Methodist Church and St. Mark’s Episcopal Church were destroyed. "It is with a broken heart that I share with you the news that our church building is lost," said the Rev. Carri Patterson Grindon of St. Mark’s. Despite the tragedy, clergy and congregants are committed to rebuilding their communities. "I am here for you, and I know our community will hold together," Grindon added.

The wildfires also affected the Parish of St. Matthew in Pacific Palisades, where all clergy residences were lost, although the sanctuary and other buildings remained intact. "We feel your prayers," said the Rev. Stefanie Wilson, responding to an outpouring of support. The church has hosted online services, drawing strength from the global community, according to an AP report.

The fires also ravaged Corpus Christi Catholic Church and Pacific Palisades Presbyterian Church. "I have no words," said a message on Corpus Christi’s website, showing the skeletal remains of the church. For many congregations, the fires have caused profound personal loss, but faith remains a source of hope. "If anything, it’s been bolstered by the support we have received and we can give," said Melissa Levy of the Pasadena Jewish Center, to the Associated Press.

Synagogues that escaped the worst of the fires are stepping up to provide a place for displaced congregants to worship. In the face of destruction, Rabbi Noah Farkas of the Jewish Federation of Los Angeles emphasized the need to care for those who have lost everything. "Even with the people of means, everything is gone," said Rabbi Zushe Cunin of the Chabad center in Pacific Palisades. Cunin and his team helped evacuate 100 children from their school as the fires raged, then returned to save Torah scrolls before the flames could destroy them. The centre’s sanctuary remains intact, but other spaces were damaged, according to an AP report.

Despite the widespread destruction, the news agency reported communities are coming together to rebuild. As fire continues to ravage parts of California, faith leaders across religious lines are focused on supporting their congregants and fostering resilience. As Rabbi Cunin put it, "We are going to rebuild, but right now, the priority is helping those who have lost everything."