The Holy See appealed to the world’s Catholics to offer gestures of evangelical charity to those affected by the conflict in the Middle East.
The Holy See appealed to the world’s Catholics to offer gestures of evangelical charity to those affected by the conflict in the Middle East.
The Pontifical Council “Cor Unum,” the Vatican dicastery that coordinates the Pope’s charitable initiatives, stated this on Saturday in a communiqué released by the Vatican press office.
“Given the continuing conflict in the Middle East,” the statement said, “and the terrible sufferings of the affected populations, the Pontifical Council ‘Cor Unum’ wishes to express closeness, on behalf of the Holy Father, to all those who are suffering, sending initial aid to support the reception of thousands of displaced people.”
The note said that money from the Vatican dicastery had been sent, although the amount was not specified. Press sources report that it was $100,000.
“This aid is sent for a project promoted by Caritas-Lebanon, the Custody of the Holy Land, AVSI Foundation and other organizations present in the territory to offer materials to the reception centers (mattresses, blankets, sheets), drinking water, food, hygiene facilities and medicine,” the dicastery added.
The aid will go to 60,000 families in Lebanon and in Israel, especially in Nazareth, and will help to provide basic materials and services to residence or assistance centers for the elderly and children.
The Pontifical Council “Cor Unum,” whose president is Archbishop Paul Josef Cordes, gave a bank account in Italy to which contributions may be sent:
Pontifical Council COR UNUM — Cause: for LEBANON
C/C Banca di Roma N. 101010
ABI 3002 CAB 5008 (from abroad SWIFT: BROMIT)
