VATICAN CITY — Pope Francis expressed thanks Wednesday for the prayers and condolences he has received following the death of his nephew’s wife and their two young boys in a car crash in the pontiff’s native Argentina.

Francis listened as priests expressed condolences in several languages during his weekly public audience at the Vatican. Later in the day, Argentine President Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner telephoned Francis to express “condolences from her and from the Argentine people,” the Vatican said.

`’I thank you for your condolences for what happened in my family,” Francis said. `’Even the pope has a family.”

The 77-year-old pontiff then explained about his family. `’We were five siblings. I have 16 nephews and nieces and one of these nephews had a car accident and lost his wife and two little ones and is in critical condition. I thank you very much for your condolences and prayers.”