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SPECIAL iNITIATIVES 
TSUNAMI IN SOUTH-EAST ASIA 

(December 2004-2005)

On December 27, 2004, the day following the devastating tidal wave that hit the countries of Southeast Asia and continued violently all the way to Somalia, Pope John Paul II wished to express his fatherly and spiritual nearness to the population most affected by the deadly calamity, sending immediate aid to Sri Lanka (US$100,000), Indonesia (US$75,000), India (US$75,000), Thailand (US$50,000), and Somalia (US$10,000), based on the earliest information available on the damage caused by the tsunami.  The Pontifical Council Cor Unum acted immediately on this papal directive.  One month later, the Holy Father sent the President of Cor Unum (January 29-February 4, 2005) as his special messenger to Indonesia and Sri Lanka, tow of the countries most severely affected by the disaster.  During the visit, there was a meaningful and emotional presentation of a statue of the Child Jesus from Bethlehem, given by the children of the Cathedral of Crema (Italy) through Cor Unum to the little orphans who are lovingly cared for at the Princess Grace Children's Orphanage in Kalutara (Sri Lanka).  Upon Archbishop Cordes' return, the Holy Father entrusted the responsibility of harmonizing the initiatives undertaken by Catholic organizations for the rehabilitation of these populations to the Pontifical Council.  Among the final directives given by Pope John Paul II just prior to his passing to the heavenly Father was the provision of additional aid for the reconstruction of a school in Sri Lanka (US$100,000) and relief for the population of the island of Nais in Indonesia, which was hit by yet another earthquake (US$50,000).  These gifts from the Pope were made possible through the generosity of many benefactors (individuals, parishes, schools, religious institutions, etc.) who chose to entrust their expressions of fraternal and Christian solidarity toward those in need to the Holy Father's Dicastery for charity.  

 

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