As a sign of his personal solidarity, Pope Benedict XVI is sending the Vatican 's top humanitarian aid official to visit the populations stricken by Hurricane Katrina.

Archbishop Paul Cordes, president of the Pontifical Council Cor Unum , was to travel to the Gulf Coast region Sept 10 or 11, his office said.

Details of his mission were not immediately available. Cor Unum is responsible for promoting and coordinating Catholic charitable projects around the world, and Archbishop Cordes was expected to meet with Church-run agencies involved in the Gulf Coast region.

The pope announced the move at a Sunday blessing Sept 4 at his residence outside Rome. For the second time in a week, he expressed his deep concern at the tragedy and asked for prayers for the victims.

“In a special way our hearts turn to all those suffering the devastating consequences of Hurricane Katrina in the United States ,” the pope said, speaking in English. In a telegram, sent Aug 31 by Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Angelo Sodano, the Pope assured “all those affected of his closeness in prayer.

The Holy Father commends the deceased to the loving mercy of Almighty God, and upon their grieving families he invokes divine blessings of strength and consolation.”

It added: “His Holiness likewise prays for the rescue workers and all involved in providing assistance to the victims of this disaster, encouraging them to persevere in their efforts to bring relief and support.”

(CNS)