Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Abidjan (Agenzia Fides) - “The Church has always been closer to all those who suffer, without exception,” said Bishop Ambrose Madtha, Apostolic Nuncio to Côte d'Ivoire, in a statement sent to Fides, in which it was announced that Pope Benedict XVI has made 50,000 euros available to assist the displaced Ivorians.
“Pope Benedict XVI,” said the Nuncio, “when informed of the socio-political situation in Côte d'Ivoire after the second round of presidential elections, and particularly touched by the situation of displaced persons caused by the bloody inter-ethnic clashes, which caused the numerous loss of lives and forced people to leave their lands and homes to find refuge in Liberia, in the camps of the Catholic Church in Duékoué, Danané, Lakota, etc. .., ardently wants to show his closeness and his deep concern for these people, helping them with a gift of 50,000 euros (about 32,750,000 CFA francs).”
“The Holy Father,” continues the text, “has therefore asked the Cardinal Robert Sarah, President of the Pontifical Council “Cor Unum”, to send that amount on behalf of the Holy See to Bishop Gaspard Beby Gneba of Man, in order to make good use of it by displaced persons.” “On behalf of the Holy Father I would like to congratulate and encourage all national and international organisations, including the “Notre Dame de la Tendresse” parish in Abidjan, which have given financial and material aid to these people,” said the Nuncio. (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides 5/2/2011)
