Pope's relatives killed in Argentina crash

The Vatican says Pope Francis is "profoundly saddened" by the deaths of three of his relatives in an Argentina car crash.

Pope Francis promised friendship and respect for all faiths during a meeting with religious leaders.

A car carrying the Pope's nephew smashed into a truck on a highway, leaving the nephew's wife, two-year-old child and the eight-month-old baby dead.

The Pope's nephew has undergone surgery and he will be monitored over the next 48 hours to evaluate the next steps.

A Vatican spokesman said the Pope had asked for all who share in his grief to unite with him in prayer.