Cardinal Vincent has offered his ‘heartfelt condolences’ to Archbishop José H Gomez of Los Angeles for ‘all those who died or who were caught up with the devastating after-effects’ of last week’s mudslides in Santa Barbara County.

Writing on behalf of Catholics in England and Wales, the Cardinal prayed that God may ‘grant strength and enduring faith to all who are bereaved, injured and traumatised’ and that he may ‘welcome into his merciful presence all who have died’.

The full text of the letter reads:

‘I am writing to offer my heartfelt condolences for all those who died or who were caught up with the devastating after-effects of the rivers of mud and boulders that crushed homes in Santa Barbara County last week.

‘May God grant strength and enduring faith to all who are bereaved, injured and traumatised. May God welcome into his merciful presence all who have died.

‘I assure you, too, of the prayers and condolences of the Catholic community in England and Wales. We, too, mourn this loss of life. We pray for the eternal repose of all who have died.’