Pope Francis has pledged to donate nearly $500,000 to support the people suffering from worsening conditions in South Sudan.

Speaking at a press conference in the Vatican on Wednesday, Cardinal Peter Turkson, head of the office for Integral Human Development, said Pope Francis will be aiding projects in the areas of education, healthcare, and agriculture, called the “Pope for South Sudan” Initiative.

“Because he is unable to travel to South Sudan in person, Pope Francis “wanted to express the tangible presence and closeness of the Church with the afflicted people,” Cardinal Turkson said.

“It is an initiative that is to foster, support and encourage the work of the various religious congregations and international aid organizations that are present on the territory and tirelessly work to help the population and to promote the process of development and peace,” he added.

The project of the Pope’s aid includes support for Wau and Nzara Hospitals and an agricultural project run by Caritas to provide livelihoods for 2.500 families in the dioceses of Yei, Yambio and Torit.

The initiative will also help support Solidarity organization which is working to train teachers, nurses, midwives, local farmers, and community leaders.

Last month, Pope Francis postponed a planned visit to South Sudan this year but the Vatican said he is more determined than ever to raise awareness about the need to support the people of South Sudan.