Papal donations to support refugees in Syria, agriculture in Cuba

April 02, 2012

Pope Benedict XVI has sent a donation of $100,000 to the Church in Syria, to support the suffering Christians of that country.

The Pontifical Council Cor Unum has announced the papal gift to Syria, pointing out that the Pontiff has repeatedly called for an end to the fighting there and encouraged international support for those endangered by the violence. Cor Unum said that Melkite Catholic Patriarch Gregorios III Laham, the president of the Syrian bishops’ conference, would be consulted about the delivery of the aid. The Church in Syria has already established relief projects for families in the cities of Homs and Aleppo.

Cor Unum also announced a grant to finance agricultural development projects in Cuba. Cardinal Robert Sarah, the president of Cor Unum, accompanied Pope Benedict on his visit to Cuba last week and met with bishops there to discuss potential projects.

 

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Further information:

• Benedict XVI Sends Aid to the People of Syria and Cuba (VIS)