EARTHQUAKE IN HAITI
In the hours following the catastrophic earthquake in Haiti, the Holy Father made an appeal for the mobilization of spiritual and material assistance, declaring that "the Catholic Church shall not fail to activate herself immediately through her charitable institutions" (General Audience, January 13, 2010).
As with other tragedies, Catholics are already being zealous in providing tangible aid. Several Catholic agencies are at work and are sending manpower, which is especially urgent. The Pontifical Council Cor Unum, in direct contact with Catholic Relief Services, the international humanitarian agency of the Bishops of the United States, has asked it to coordinate the relief efforts at this stage. The 300 plus on-the-ground personnel, who have long been active in Haiti, and the past experience, expertise and resources of CRS will enable prompt and effective coordination of the Church's efforts, which, in the words of Pope Benedict, must be generous and concrete to meet the pressing needs of our Haitian brothers and sisters.
Bollettino della Sala Stampa della Santa Sede 27/2010, 14.1.2010
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