Bishop Michael Olson joins Pope Leo XIV in prayer for victims, families of Texas flood disaster
Pope Leo XIV bows his head in his prayer during Mass in St. Peter's Basilica at the Vatican June 29, 2025. (CNS Photo/Pablo Esparza)
Pope Leo XIV and Bishop Michael Olson of the Diocese of Fort Worth on Sunday prayed for the victims and families affected by the recent flood disaster in Texas.
The Holy Father, speaking in English, expressed his “sincere condolences” to “families who have lost loved ones, in particular their daughters, who were at the summer camp, in the disaster caused by flooding of the Guadalupe river in Texas in the United States” after praying the Angelus with pilgrims gathered in St. Peter’s Square.
Bishop Michael Olson of the Diocese of Fort Worth addressed the faithful on X (formerly known as Twitter), stating, "Please join @Pontifex with me in praying for all of those whose children and loved ones have died in this horrible flooding. May the Blessed Mother solace all who grieve."
He added a request for all Catholics in the diocese to "join in prayer today in solidarity with all Texans of good will in praying for those harmed and those who grieve children and loved ones lost in the terrible flooding."
More than 20 children attending the all-girls summer camp are currently missing after flash floods struck Texas Hill Country in the early hours of July 4, CNN reported on Sunday.
Aid organizations, including the Catholic Charities Mobile Relief Unit, have since mobilized services to provide food, shelter, and water to flood victims forced to evacuate their homes.
The death toll continues to rise as rescue and recovery efforts enter into its third day. At least 50 people have been confirmed dead, according to CNN.
Pope Leo also asked his listeners on Sunday to pray for peace, and for those who live in a state of war: “Let us ask the Lord to touch the hearts and inspire the minds of governments, so that the violence of weapons is replaced by the search for dialogue.
I also ask all Catholics in the @FWdiocese to join in prayer today in solidarity with all Texans of good will in praying for those harmed and those who grieve children and loved ones lost in the terrible flooding. @timesrecordnews @NTCatholic @startelegram https://t.co/CKfBH9bPr8
— Bishop Michael Olson (@BpOlsonFW) July 6, 2025
Editor's Note: NTC Staff contributed to this reporting.
Kristina Millare is a freelancer for Catholic News Agency.