Pope calls Brazilian Archbishop in solidarity for floods

By Vatican News

The death toll from the heavy rains that have hit southern Brazil since the end of April has reached 137 deaths. The number of displaced people has exceeded 600,000. The most dramatic situation is in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, on the border with Argentina and Uruguay, where the intensity of rainfall continues to increase and is expected to get worse in the coming hours.

Pope's solidarity

Pope Francis expressed his closeness, during a telephone call, to all those suffering from this catastrophe, which mainly affects the poorest. On Saturday, May 11, he called Mgr. Jaime Spengler, archbishop of Porto Alegre and president of the National Conference of Bishops of Brazil. The Archbishop, who expressed his emotion for the fatherly gesture of the Pope, said he was surprised to receive the call in which the Pope expressed words of comfort for the population of Rio Grande do Sul. “I express my solidarity,” declared the Pontiff, “to all those who are suffering from this disaster. I am close to you and I pray for you.”

Concrete help

The Pope had already expressed his solidarity with those affected by the heavy rains at the end of Regina Caeli, Sunday May 5. “I want to assure you,” he said, “of my prayers for the people of the State. Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, hit by significant flooding. May the Lord welcome the dead and comfort their families and those who have had to leave their homes.

Archbishop Spengler confirmed that this closeness is accompanied by a tangible gesture of help, as announced by the Apostolic Nunciature in Brazil, according to which a substantial sum has been allocated by the Holy Father to help those in need. .