| Papal Foundation Grants $500,000 for Earthquake Victims |
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BALA CYNWYD, Pa.—As a response to the unfolding humanitarian crisis in Haiti, The Papal Foundation has made a distribution of $500,000 to support continued earthquake relief. The funding will support the work already underway by the Missionaries of Charity, the order founded more than 60 years ago by Blessed Teresa of Calcutta.
The foundation sent the $500,000 grant on January 21 as the first gift from its Mother Teresa Fund. The distribution was transferred through the agency of the Vatican Secretary of State to the Apostolic Nuncio in Haiti. In turn, the nuncio will support the Missionaries of Charity on Hispaniola, who are focusing these and other financial resources to care for the people most affected by the earthquake.
Anthony Cardinal Bevilacqua is chairman of the board of The Papal Foundation and noted that this gift is in the name of the Holy Father, Pope Benedict XVI, on behalf of the universal church.
The Mother Teresa Fund was established by one of the Stewards of Saint Peter, a group of prominent Catholic benefactors who identify with the needs of the Holy Father. By making annual requests to the foundation, the pope is able to personally respond to international humanitarian issues.
James Coffey, executive director of The Papal Foundation, said, “The Papal Foundation generally assists our Holy Father in responding to ongoing needs which help the very poor. These funds are used to nourish with compassion, both physically and spiritually.”
“There could not be a better time for His Holiness to be able to make this first gift from the Mother Teresa Fund and a no more needy place than Haiti,” Coffey added.
During his general audience on January 13, Pope Benedict said, “I appeal to the generosity of everyone, so that our brothers and sisters receive our concrete solidarity and the effective support of the international community in this moment of need and suffering.”
Pope Benedict indicated that charitable organizations within the Catholic Church would act to respond in measure to the people of Haiti. “I invite everyone to join in my prayer to the Lord for the victims of this catastrophe and for those who are mourning their loss. I assure my spiritual closeness to people who have lost their homes and to all those affected in various ways by this calamity, imploring from God consolation and relief of their suffering,” he said.
According to Msgr. Peter G. Wells, assessor of the Secretariat of State, Archbishop Bernardito C. Auza, Apostolic Nuncio to Haiti, has been extremely active and responsive during this crisis and, together with support from the Apostolic Nunciature in the Dominican Republic and additional staffing provided by the Vatican Diplomatic Corps, has been distributing the millions in aid that has been made available.
The Papal Foundation grants support to the world’s poor, sick and infirmed through the construction and operation of shelters for homeless adults and children, hospitals and other health facilities, the reconstruction of destroyed churches, the construction of seminaries and retreat houses, providing relief for victims of natural disasters, strengthening services for refugees and migrants, providing funding to pro-life programs, and providing residences for elderly priests and religious. The Papal Foundation has been involved around the world, with projects in Asia, Europe, the Middle East, Central America, Mexico and South America. |