My experuences with it would say no but it's only a no as long as I don't open up. Otherwise I can listen all day, get to know them, be on the same page as them, and they'd be grateful in return. If I open up though, experience says it won't work. They depart. So as long as I keep my shit to myself, it'll be all good.

Empathy, a little goes a long way.
Honestly depending on one's own personal mindset and emotional well being... sometimes listening is at most what can be done because.. there's something not right internally and it affects the overall situation and just make things uncomfortable

I'm not sure if I could comfort them but I'd definitely spend time with them listening to their problems and if possible, trying to direct them to someone/something that could help with their issues. Happened quite a few times to me. Even people who are not my close friends sometimes open up about their problems to me and I try to listen to them. Of course, I cannot help them all the time because I'm not a trained therapist but I feel it helps them to get things off their chest.

I would. I think I’m empathetic.

I'm no therapist, but I can hear someone out and give them a cuddle if they want it.

I mean I can make an effort and listen, but the comfort has to come from them

Yes, happens more than you think

No.

I think so, but if I find the right sort of comfort is to be seen.