Help southern Africa cyclone victims, says pope

Pope Francis expressed his pain Wednesday at the devastation wrought by Cyclone Idai in southern Africa and called for "comfort and support" for victims of the disaster.

"Great floods have sown grief and devastation in various regions of Mozambique, Zimbabwe and Malawi," he said, addressing thousands of the faithful in Saint Peter's Square.

"To those dear people I express my pain and my closeness," he added.

"I entrust the many victims and their families to the mercy of God and I implore comfort and support for those affected by this calamity."