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Pope Leo XIV Condoles as Texas Flood Deaths Exceed 50

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Updated Jul 6, 2025, 07:21 PM

Pope Leo XIV used his weekly Angelus address in Vatican City on Sunday to offer "sincere condolences" to families affected by the flash floods that swept Texas over the July 4 holiday weekend. The U.S.-born pontiff said he was praying especially for the parents of girls who were attending a summer camp along the Guadalupe River when the water surged.

State officials say the sudden rise of the Guadalupe River—about 26 feet in 45 minutes—has left at least 51 people dead, with some local reports putting the toll as high as 59. Dozens remain unaccounted for, including roughly 27 girls and a counselor from Camp Mystic in Kerr County. The floods destroyed homes, washed away vehicles and severed roads, complicating rescue efforts.

More than 800 people have been rescued by crews drawn from the Texas National Guard, the Coast Guard and multiple state agencies. Governor Greg Abbott has declared a statewide day of prayer and said search teams will work around the clock as additional storms threaten further flash flooding.

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