Pope Benedict XVI said Wednesday he has been praying for the victims of floods in Indonesia's capital Jakarta.
Speaking during his weekly general audience at the Vatican, he told pilgrims that he has been following “with preoccupation” news of the floods.
“I wish to express my closeness to the populations hit by this natural calamity, assuring them of my prayers and encouraging solidarity, so that no-one goes without the necessary aid," he said.
At least 20 people have been killed in flooding that started last week, while tens of thousands of people have sought refuge in emergency shelters.
The floods are the the worst to hit the capital since 2007.