Wednesday, January 12, 2011

Pope donates thousands to flood victims

THE Pope has expressed "his closeness" to the victims of Queensland's floods and donated thousands of dollars to help them rebuild their lives. 

"As a gesture of solidarity, His Holiness has instructed the Pontifical Council to allocate $US50,000 in response to the urgent needs of those affected by the natural disaster," the Apostolic Nunciature Australia said in a statement Monday.

The donation will go through the Rockhampton Diocese to the St Vincent De Paul statewide appeal.

"The Holy Father, Pope Benedict XVI, having been informed of the recent flooding in northeastern Australia, has wished to express his closeness to the victims and their families," the statement said.

SIC: HS/AUS