Vatican City (Fides Service) - The Populorum Progressio Foundation, created in 1992 by John Paul II to help poor communities in Latin America, is meeting since July 20 at the Redemptoris Mater missionary seminary of the archdiocese of Brasilia (Brazil), to examine in detail situations in the different south American countries. Latin American Cardinals and Bishops are also carefully assessing about 260 development projects proposed by different countries. The economic assistance offered by the Foundation is a sign of the Pope’s concern and love for all the poor people in South America, indigenous peoples, mixed-races and Afro-Americans, who are always in the heart and prayers of the Holy Father.
The Foundation depends on the Pontifical Council Cor Unum whose President, Archbishop Paul Josef Cordes, is presently in Africa as the Pope’s envoy to visit and encourage refugees from the war torn Darfur region of Sudan. The Populorum Progressio foundation is managed by a Council of Administration presided by Archbishop Fabio Betancur Archbishop of Manizales (Colombia) and the vice president Archbishop Alberto Taveira, Archbishop of Palmas (Brazil). After careful examination of the social, economic and political situation in the different countries the members will assess the individual development projects. The funds assigned will go mainly to people in rural areas in most need. The projects presented over the recent 12 months focus mainly on healthcare, housing, access to clean water, education and employment. Populorum Progressio Foundation is a channel of the Pope’s charity which carries the Gospel to men and women by sustaining social projects to meet the basic needs of the world’s poorest people. (S.L.) (Agenzia Fides 23/7/2004; Righe 22 - Parole 281)