Pope Francis sends aid to Argentina

The Holy See has announced that the Pontifical Council Cor Unum, on behalf of the Holy Father, has made ​​a donation of $50,000 for emergency relief in favour of the Archdiocese of La Plata in Argentina, to assist the people affected by the floods that struck earlier this week.

In the telegram sent at the outset of the crisis, Pope Francis expressed his sadness at news of the flooding, and expressed his spiritual closeness to those affected, and their families. The Holy Father also encouraged civil authorities and church institutions, as well as people of good will, to offer their help in a show of Christian solidarity.

At least 50 people are known to have died in the disaster, and government officials fear the death toll may rise as clean-up begins. Hundreds of thousands of people have been affected by the flooding, including several thousand who have been forced to flee their homes.

The donation by Pope Francis comes in addition to the many contributions of the local church and other charitable organizations.

Catholic relief organisations have been active in providing aid since the disaster began.

Listen to Christopher Wells' report: