Pope Benedict XVI called on the international community to provide "generous" aid to the millions of people displaced by floods in South Asia.
During his weekly Sunday address, Benedict prayed for the thousands who have died in the floods.
"I urge the church community to pray for the victims and support all initiatives of solidarity to lessen the suffering of so many people," Benedict said, speaking to pilgrims from his summer residence south of Rome.
"Our brothers and sisters need timely and generous aid from the international community."
More than 2,000 people have died in this year's monsoon season with millions more displaced and threatened by waterborne diseases.
This year's death toll is more than double the number for 2006.
More than 30 million people have lost their homes or livelihood due to flood waters according to the United Nations Children's Fund.
Entire families have been stranded on roof tops, highways and tree tops in an attempt to flee from the rising waters.
Relief workers said there is an acute shortage of drinking water and medical supplies in parts of India and Bangladesh.
In India's Bihar state, the government cancelled vacations for all doctors as medical authorities struggled to treat patients.
The United Nations has committed $20 million in aid to boost relief work UN Emergency Relief Coordinator John Holmes announced on Friday.
The Canadian government pledged $1 million in aid last week, and International Co-operation Minister Josee Verner said the federal government is ready to provide more assistance if called upon to do so.
The monsoon season runs from June to September as the torrential rains make their way across the continent.
The U.N. estimates extreme flooding affects 500 million people annually.
With files from the Associated Press
