Pope Benedict on Wednesday condemned arsonists believed to be behind some of the forest fires which have left 75 people dead in Greece and Italy so far this summer.
The pontiff mentioned the fires at the end of his general audience in St Peter's Square, inviting prayers for the victims of the "disastrous" blazes that have swept southern Europe in recent weeks.
He voiced concern over the "irresponsible behaviour of those who put people's lives at risk and destroy the environment, a precious resource for the whole of humanity"
"I join those who rightly stigmatise such criminal action," he added.
Greek firefighters finally gained the upper hand on Wednesday over widespread forest fires that have killed at least 63 people and severely tested emergency services over the last six days.
Thousands of Greeks have been left homeless by the fires which have devastated swathes of countryside.
Fires have also ravaged areas of southern Italy, causing 12 deaths and destroying hundreds of acres of woodland and brush.
Many Greeks and Italians believe fires are often started by arsonists on behalf of property developers or by shepherds hoping to create new grazing pastures.
The Greek government has offered rewards of up to a million euros for help in finding arsonists.
