HAND-WRITTEN LETTER OF THE HOLY FATHER
INSTITUTING THE
JOHN PAUL II FOR THE SAHEL FOUNDATION
With deep satisfaction I have learned that the appeal I addressed on 10 May 1980 at Ouagadougou on behalf of the population of the Sahel, harshly stricken by increasing aridity and drought, has had a wider international response. Numerous faithful, particularly in the Federal Republic of Germany, moved by sincere feelings of universal solidarity and by true Christian spirit, have generously offered their contribution in order to relieve the sufferings of their African brothers and sisters.
Having considered then that in spite of the many initiatives of governments and of the international community the situation persists in its seriousness, after consulting my brothers in the Episcopate of the region of the Sahel, it seemed opportune to give a more organic, permanent and effective form to the Church's aid intended for Sahel in a spirit of charity, authentic human promotion and collaboration with all the organizations committed to aid programmes.
To this end, by virtue of my supreme apostolic authority in the Church, and my sovereignty in Vatican City State, in keeping with canons 331, 114 par. 1, 115 par. 3, and 116 par. 1 of the Code of Canon Law, article 1 of the fundamental Law of Vatican City of 7 June 1929, and article 1 letter a) of the Law of sources of rights of 7 June 1929 II, I erect the autonomous Foundation "Fondation Jean-Paul II pour le Sahel" as a public canonical juridical person and as a civil juridical person, with its seat in Vatican City State.
The Foundation will be governed by the canonical laws and civil laws in effect in Vatican City and by the annexed Statutes with I now approve.
In erecting this Foundation, I wish it to be the sign and testimony of a work of charity done in the name of Christ in this Holy Year of the Redemption.
Given in Rome on 22 February, Feast of the Chair of St Peter the Apostle, in the year 1984, the sixth of the Pontificate.
JOANNES PAULUS PP. II
