The campaign was launched at the National Conference of Brazilian Bishops (CNBB) in Brasília on Ash Wednesday, the day that marks the beginning of Lent for Christian religions.
The Brazilian president is flying this Monday evening to Rome, where he should meet with the pontiff, Italian President Sergio Mattarella, and Mayor of Rome Roberto Gualtieri.
"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 help", declared the pontiff.
President Dilma Rousseff is going to the 7th EU-Brazil Summit on Monday (Feb. 24) for a meeting with the president of the European Council, Herman Van Rompuy, and the President of the European Commission, José Manuel Barroso.