VATICAN - “Populorum Progressio” Foundation due to meet in Guadalajara to consider financing 230 new projects in support of poor indigenous mixed race and Afro-American rural communities of Latin America and the Caribbean.

Vatican City (Agenzia Fides) – The members of the administrative council of the "Populorum Progressio" Foundation are due to meet in Guadalajara, Mexico, from 9 to 12 July to consider the financing of development projects in support of poor indigenous mixed race and Afro-American rural communities of Latin America and the Caribbean. According a press release from the Holy See Press Office, this year more than 230 projects have been presented, covering 17 countries and various different sectors including: manufacturing, healthcare, professional training, creation of community centres, school education, construction of rural dwellings, and integral human formation. Among the countries that have presented the greatest number of projects are Colombia (44), Peru (30), Brazil (40), and Ecuador (21).
"Populorum Progressio” was instituted by Pope John Paul II on 22 February 1992 to mark the fifth centenary of the beginning of evangelization in Latin America, in keeping with the intentions of Pope Paul VI who, following the conference of Puebla, Mexico, established a fund that was later transformed into the foundation. Populorum Progressio was entrusted to the Pontifical Council 'Cor Unum', presided by Cardinal Paul Josef Cordes.
Highlights during the meeting will include the Masses that will be held during the three-day meeting, offering more direct contact with the local population. On July 9, in the afternoon, in the Basilica of Zapopan, Cardinal Íñiguez will preside the Mass. On July 10, Archbishop Betancur Tirado of Manizales will preside Mass at the parish church of “Santa Clara de Asís,” and the closing Mass will be held in the church of “San Enrique Emperador.” (SL) (Agenzia Fides 7/7/2008)