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