Pope Francis has asked people to pray for victims of recent storms, flooding and other bad weather in Britain, the United States and South America.

During his public audience in St Peter's Square, Pope Francis told the faithful the storms were "causing victims, many evacuees and enormous damage".

He said he prayed for comfort for those affected and that "brotherly solidarity helps them in their need".

The latest storm to batter Britain in recent weeks has caused more flooding misery for thousands.

Flooding in South America has forced tens of thousands of people to flee their homes, including in the Pope's native Argentina. Neighbouring Paraguay was also hard hit.

Tornadoes in Texas last week were blamed for at least 11 deaths, and fears of flooding this week in the US Midwest caused widespread evacuations.

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