Cardinal Vincent Nichols has offered his prayers for the victims of the Grenfell Tower fire, expressing his sorrow for all the residents who have been affected.
“We pray for all the residents of Grenfell Tower. I pray particularly for those who have suffered injury, those who have died, and all the residents who have are left without a home today, and the entire community that has been affected,” the cardinal said.
He praised the emergency services who had responded to the blaze, especially the fire crews who had been working throughout the night.
“Once again in our city we witness the heroic efforts of our emergency services who responded so quickly. I thank them for all they are doing to help the victims of this devastating fire.”
Bishop John Wilson, Auxiliary Bishop of Westminster with oversight over West London parishes, added his prayers, saying: “My prayers are with all who have been affected by this fire, especially the victims, their families and friends, and all who are still worried about their loved ones who are unaccounted for. I offer too my heartfelt condolences to the families of those who have died.”
The bishop also praised the emergency response teams: “Faced with yet another major incident in our city, the men and women of our emergency services have demonstrated great resilience and professionalism in the rescue effort. We should be rightly proud of them.”
Catholic parishes in the area have offered assistance to those affect by the fire, he added.
The tower caught fire shortly after midnight Wednesday morning, and quickly spread through the residential tower block. At least six fatalities had been announced at time of writing.
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