Tragedy in Pope’s family

Pope Francis is "deeply saddened" on hearing the news that three of his relatives have died in a car accident in Argentina, according to Vatican spokesman Father Federico Lombardi.

The Pope's grandnephews, Antonio aged 8 months and Jose aged two, were killed along with their mother, 39-year-old Valeria Carmona. The Holy Father's nephew, Emanuel Horacio Bergoglio, is in hospital in critical condition.

Their car was travelling between Cordoba and Rosario when it struck a truck loaded with corn, reports say.

Emanuel Horacio, 35, is the son of the Pope's late brother, Alberto Bergoglio.

The Pope asked all to pray for his family.