Pope expresses closeness to Argentinians hit by heavy rains

Pope Francis has sent a letter to José María Arancedo, Archbishop of Santa Fe de la Vera Cruz and President of the Episcopal Conference of Argentina, to express his closeness to the people of Argentina who have been hit by torrential rains which have battered the country in recent days.

In the correspondence the Holy Father said that he was spiritually near to the thousands of people who have been evacuated from their homes and who have lost everything; “the fruits of many years of sacrifice and work,” he added.

Pope Francis also wrote that he wished to accompany and offer words of encouragement to his brother bishops, priests and parishioners in this moment of need.

In conclusion, and imparting his Apostolic Blessing, he prayed that collaboration between authorities, institutions and volunteers, in a spirit of unity, would bring to all those affected a testimony of fraternal solidarity.

(from Vatican Radio)