ROME — Pope Francis offered prayers Wednesday for the people of Los Angeles as they endure deadly fires. Francis referred to the disaster during his weekly general audience Wednesday and invoked Our Lady of Guadalupe, which is revered by many Latino Catholics.

My heart is with the people of Los Angeles who are suffering so much as a result of the fires that have devastated entire neighbourhoods and communities,” Francis said. “May Our Lady of Guadalupe intercede for everyone to be a witness of hope.

As wildfires continue to ravage Los Angeles neighborhoods, Pope Francis expressed his spiritual closeness to those affected by the tragedy.

The Catholic church’s leader shared prayers and condolences for the victims as well as support for first responders

VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- "I am praying for all of you," Pope Francis said, using his televised Sunday Angelus address to speak directly to the people impacted by the wildfires in Southern California. "I am close to the residents of Los Angeles County,

Pope Francis is praying for victims and rescuers trying to control the wildfires in California that have killed at least 11 people and destroyed thousands of homes, the Vatican said on Saturday.

Pope Francis referred to the disaster during his weekly general audience Wednesday and invoked Our Lady of Guadalupe, who is revered by many Latino Catholics.