PONTIFICAL COUNCIL COR UNUM

TSUNAMI EMERGENCY

On May 20, 2005, Cardinal Angelo Sodano, Secretary of State, received Mr. William J. Clinton, former President of the United States, who came to the Vatican to share information about the promotion of international solidarity for the Asian populations afflicted by the tsunami entrusted to him by the Secretary General of the United Nations.

The Cardinal Secretary of State described the commitment of the Holy See in this regard to Mr. Clinton, and introduced Archbishop Paul Josef Cordes, President of the Pontifical Council Cor Unum, who provided a more detailed description of the initiatives undertaken by various Catholic institutions throughout the world.

The meeting also occasioned discussion on two other current serious issues, namely the contribution of States toward developing countries and the fight against AIDS, especially in Africa.

L’Osservatore Romano, 21.5.2005, p. 1.