Pope Francis offers assurances to the people of Fort McMurray

Pope Francis has sent a letter to the people of Fort McMurray offering prayers and a blessing.

The letter sent Friday, through his Canadian representative, states the head of the Catholic Church is saddened to learn of the destruction and distress caused by the extensive wildfire.

It assured of his "prayers for all the displaced, especially the children, who have lost their homes and livelihoods".

The Pope also asked for God to bless emergency workers,those co-ordinating the evacuation, and for strength and perseverance for firefighters on the front lines.

For those affected by this ongoing disaster, "the Holy Father invokes the Lord's blessing of patience, faith and hope."

The letter was sent to Archbishop Luigi Bonazzi, the Apostolic Nuncio (Pope's representative) to Canada.