PRAYER AND ACTION: Pope Francis prepares an incredible gift of love and solidarity for South Sudan, but what is it?

Pope Francis cannot visit, but he can show solidarity.

Pope Francis wants to visit South Sudan, but it appears he cannot make the trip. However, he is not forgetting about the people there, and he is sending in his place about half-a-million in aid that will transform thousands of lives.

LOS ANGELES, CA (California Network) -- Pope Francis wanted to visit South Sudan before the end of the year. A trip was hastily organized that would have seen him traveling with the Anglican Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby.

However, the trip could not be organized in time, and the Pope cannot go. Still, Pope Francis has insisted on showing solidarity with South Sudan, so he has ordered half-a-million dollars in aid be sent to the country.

South Sudan is one of the world's newest countries, established in 2011. Since its founding as an independent nation, it has faced war, drought, and famine. Ethnic tensions have been a source of ongoing conflict. Thousands, possibly millions of people have died in recent years. The population is largely Christian, and there are frequent border clashes with Muslims from Sudan to the north.

However, the situation in South Sudan is improving, at least in small increments. The famine has ended, and the government has lifted a ban on foreign journalists.

Now, Pope Francis is sending aid that will go to several specific projects to help people. Among those projects are aid to two hospitals, funds for a school that trains teachers, and money to support a farming program that will aid about 2,500 families with growing crops.

Typical of Pope Francis, he will not merely send prayers, but he is providing people with the means to escape poverty and support themselves. Moral education, seeds and tools for farming, and hospitals which provide jobs and save lives are all worthy recipients.

There are still problems, and there is still conflict. One of the hospital's reports they are often told to evacuate due to fighting but never do because they always have patients. Life in South Sudan remains a struggle, but with help from the Holy Father, it should be a little bit easier for several thousand people.

What those people do with their gifts is up to them, but if they manage to turn their blessings into blessings for others, then South Sudan will someday enjoy a bright and prosperous future.

Wars end and droughts give way to life-giving rains. Thanks for Pope Francis, South Sudan will be ready for the day. We pray it comes soon.