Pope prays for victims of Brazil floods due to heavy rains

By Vatican News staff writer

At the conclusion of Sunday's midday Angelus, Pope Francis offered prayers for those affected by heavy rains and severe flooding in various regions of Brazil in recent weeks. The Pope said "I pray in particular for the victims and their families, and for those who have lost their homes. May God support the efforts of those who are bringing relief."

Over the past two months, heavy rains have hit several Brazilian towns in the states of Bahia and Minas Gerais, resulting in numerous deaths and tens of thousands of displaced. Landslides and rising river waters have caused some of the worst incidents, while emergency officials are monitoring area dams under pressure. Relief efforts are under way in the areas worst affected.