Local authorities have launched an investigation to determine the origin of the church fire, which fortunately left no victims in the destruction.

Newsroom (15/10/2024 13:55, Gaudium Press) The Parish of St. Anthony of Padua and the Franciscan convent located in the coastal province of Iquique, in the Chilean region of Tarapacà, were consumed by a tragic fire last Friday, 11 October.

The church, also known as the Church of San Francisco, was one of the oldest Catholic buildings in the country. Made mostly of wood, the church dates back to the 17th century, having been built at the time of the Spanish Conquest and the first arrival of the Franciscan Order in the region. In 1994 it became a National Historic Monument.

Message from the Bishop of Iquique

In a video published on the social networks of the Diocese of Iquique, Bishop Isauro Covili Linfati lamented the flames that consumed this historic and important building as a tragedy in terms of heritage. ‘We are suffering from the fire and all that it means,’ he said.

‘Everything is like this: nothing is left, but we also know that the Church, the Body of Jesus Christ, the living Body of Jesus, will continue in the midst of pain, tragedy and tears, to continue celebrating, with joy and hope, the Faith in the proclamation of Jesus Christ,’ he concluded.

Accidental or intentional fire?

The religious complex was devoured by flames, which had started the day before beneath the image of a Saint. Although the fire brigade managed to contain the blaze, 24 hours later the fire started again. The causes are still unknown.

A total of twelve fire crews travelled to the scene to attend to the incident, but they were unable to prevent the fire from consuming the entire church. An investigation has been launched by local authorities in order to find evidence of the origin of the fire, which fortunately left no victims. (EPC)

Compiled by Sandra Chisholm