Pope Francis has had a telegram sent to Argentina expressing his spiritual closeness to his homeland, after flooding has killed at least 54 people in and around the capital . Torrential rains on Tuesday and Wednesday moved through Buenos Aires, and the nearby city of La Plata. As the waters recede more bodies are being found.
In the telegram sent on his behalf by the Secretary of State, Pope Francis expressed his sadness at the news, 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.
The government has declared three days of mourning in the wake of the disaster. President Cristina Kirchner visited the flood zone, and promised to send more police to in order to keep looters at bay.
Around 2500 people have been forced from their homes, with many of them being housed in emergency shelters.
Argentina floods