Pope Leo XIV speaks of flooding in Texas, offers condolences and prayer

VATICAN CITY, — Condolences are pouring in for families devastated by the Hill Country flooding. That includes a message from Pope Leo XIV. 

Pope Leo appeared from the window of his apartment on Sunday, speaking of the tragedy that continues to unfold in Texas. 

“I would like to offer sincere condolences to all the families who have lost loved ones, in particular their daughters who were at summer camp in the disaster caused by the flooding of the Guadalupe River in Texas in the United States,” he said. “We pray for them.”

As of Sunday morning, 59 people, including 21 children, had been confirmed dead in the flooding. Authorities said there were countless others still missing. Among the missing are 11 campers and one counselor from Camp Mystic along the Guadalupe River.

The search effort, anchored by the Texas National Guard, has involved hundreds of local and state personnel, including the Department of Public Safety, Texas Game Wardens, and Texas Parks and Wildlife. The Coast Guard is also assisting in the recovery efforts.

More than 800 people had been rescued through Saturday evening as fellow Texans look to assist through donation drives and online funds.

The destructive, fast-moving waters rose 26 feet (8 meters) on the Guadalupe River in just 45 minutes before daybreak Friday, washing away homes and vehicles. The danger was not over as rains continued pounding communities outside San Antonio on Saturday and flash flood warnings and watches remained in effect.

Searchers used helicopters, boats and drones to look for victims and to rescue people stranded in trees and from camps isolated by washed-out roads.

Governor Greg Abbott vowed that authorities will work around the clock and said new areas were being searched as the water receded. He declared Sunday a day of prayer for the state.

“I urge every Texan to join me in prayer this Sunday — for the lives lost, for those still missing, for the recovery of our communities, and for the safety of those on the front lines,” he said in a statement.

Authorities were coming under scrutiny over whether the camps and residents in places long vulnerable to flooding received proper warning and whether enough preparations were made.

The hills along the Guadalupe River in central Texas are dotted with century-old youth camps and campgrounds where generations of families have come to swim and enjoy the outdoors. The area is especially popular around the July Fourth holiday, making it more difficult to know how many are missing.

Amidst the catastrophic Fourth of July Flooding, the City of Kerrville Emergency Management has established a reunification intake line for parents of campers who are unaccounted for.

If you do not know where your camper is, call 830-258-1111 and say the name of your missing person and you will be directed to a shelter. For other missing persons, call 830-257-8181.