Pope praying for victims of Australia flooding

At the end of the general audience on March 24, Pope Francis prayed for those who have been affected by flooding in New South Wales.

He said:

In recent days, major floods have caused serious damage in New South Wales in Australia. I am near the people and the families affected once again by this calamity, especially those who saw their houses destroyed. I give encouragement to those who are doing everything possible to search for those who are missing and to bring aid.

Some 18,000 people had to evacuate their homes as the rains caused widespread flooding. It is the worst flooding in five to six decades, and comes after last year’s bushfires, and in the midst of a pandemic.