Pope Benedict is backing up his appeal to the international community and is sending another financial contribution to the Horn of Africa.
When Jesus fed the multitudes by multiplying the loaves and fishes he gave the disciples an example to follow, Benedict said.
“He encourages us to give them something to eat and to share bread with the needy. Following Christ, we must be sensitive to people’s poverty.”
Secretary of the Pontifical Council Cor Unum, Monsignor Giampietro Dal Toso said the pope’s aid to Africa was a “strong signal” for the international community.
Toso said Pope Benedict is following this tragic situation closely. He is very concerned.
Sunday last, after praying the midday Angelus, Benedict XVI again encouraged “international mobilization to send help immediately to our brothers and sisters, who have already suffered so much, among whom are so many children.”
The American Bishops’ have echoed the pope’s appeal and urged Americans to respond immediately and gather aid for East Africa.
“It is a humanitarian crisis that cries out for help to Christians throughout the world,” Archbishop Timothy Dolan said.
More than 12 million people in Kenya, Somalia and Ethiopia need urgent humanitarian assistance because of one of the worst droughts in decades. Lack of rainfall, attributed to the weather cycle phenomenon known as La Nina, has caused failed crops, livestock deaths and critical shortages in food and water.
Sources
- Zenit
- NCR
- US Catholic
- Image:
Additional reading
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News category: World.
