The Catholic church-run Radio Veritas has reported that Pope Francis, through the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development. and in collaboration with the Apostolic Nunciature in the Philippines, has donated 00,000 euros (about P5 million) as initial financial assistance for the victims of Typhoon Odette.
“It is intended as an immediate expression of the Holy Father’s sentiment of spiritual closeness and paternal encouragement towards the people and territories affected,” the Vatican said in a statement.
It will be recalled that during his Angelus prayer last December 19, the Pope immediately extended prayers for the victims of the disastrous Typhoon Odette. Currently, the Catholic church through Caritas Philippines continues its relief, rehabilitation, and reconstruction assistance in the ten dioceses that were severely damaged by the typhoon.
The devastated areas include the Dioceses of Surigao, Talibon and Tagbilaran in Bohol; Maasin in Cebu; Kabankalan and Dumaguete in Negros Oriental; Taytay and Puerto Princesa in Palawan and the Archdiocese of Cagayan De Oro.
Caritas Philippines, headed by its national director Kidapawan Bishop Jose Colin Bagaforo, regularly appeals for public support via television messages, and reports on their visits to the affected areas to personally extend assistance and assess the extent of Odette’s damage.