Pope Francis expresses his closeness to Flood Victims of Argentina

Vatican City, 4 April 2013: Pope Francis expressed his spiritual closeness to his homeland in a telegram sent on Thursday, after flooding has killed at least 54 people in and around the Argentinian capital. Torrential rains lashed through Buenos Aires and the nearby city of La Plata on Tuesday and Wednesday.
In the telegram sent on his behalf by the Secretary of State, said that Pope Francis was deeply saddened by the news, and that he prayed to the Lord for the eternal rest of those who died. He also expressed his spiritual closeness to those affected, and their families.

In his telegram to Mario Poli, Archbishop of Buenos Aires, Pope Francis also encouraged civil authorities and church institutions, as well as people of good will, to offer help, in a show of Christian solidarity, to those who lost their homes or personal belongings.
The Pontiff as a sign of his closeness imparted his Apostolic blessing to those affected and those who are helping them.

The government has declared three days of mourning in the wake of the disaster. President Cristina Kirchner visited the flood zone. Around 2500 people have been forced from their homes, with many of them being housed in emergency shelters.
Source: VR Sedoc