The Church accompanies wildfire victims across southern Europe

By Jean Charles Putzolu, Patricia Ynestroza and Francesca Merlo

Hundreds of thousands of people have been displaced by the wildfires sweeping across southern Europe, leaving forests reduced to ashes and thousands of families facing the loss of their homes and possessions.

In Gironde, southwestern France, the country’s largest department has suffered its worst fire in 50 years. More than 220,000 people have been evacuated and 240 homes destroyed. In Spain, authorities say some 75,000 people have been evacuated from areas around Madrid, Ávila, Toledo and Castellón.

But once the immediate danger has passed, survivors must confront the deep trauma of having lost everything.

The Church in France

Father Yann Le Lay, the French Bishops’ Conference delegate for diaconal service and solidarity, says watching homes and nature burn is a stark reminder of human fragility and dependence upon the environment.

Recalling Pope Francis’ encyclical Laudato si’, he says the destruction of the landscape can produce feelings of loneliness and abandonment. Victims lose not only material possessions, but memories, working tools and a personal history rooted in their local area.

The Church in Spain

In Spain, Álvaro de Juana, spokesperson for the Diocese of Getafe, says some people feel they have lost everything, while others are struggling to hold on to hope. Many of those evacuated south-west of Madrid are migrant families who do not know when they will return home or what the future holds for their children.

Church communities in both countries are providing food, shelter and psychological assistance. Cáritas workers say one of the greatest needs is simply to listen, allowing survivors to express their fear and uncertainty. Father Le Lay compares their experience to bereavement, requiring time, presence and closeness.

The longer-term challenge will be rebuilding homes, livelihoods and community ties, while helping residents who may be forced to leave their places of origin permanently.

Flames spreading

Meanwhile, the wildfire emergency is spreading eastwards. In Greece, strong winds are driving major fires in Crete and Lesvos, forcing further evacuations. Three firefighters have been killed, including two trapped by flames in Crete. Hundreds of residents and tourists have been moved to safety as crews battle fires damaging homes, farmland and olive groves.