Vatican City, Feb 26, 2008 / 08:43 am
This morning, the Pontifical Council Cor Unum sent financial aid from the Pope for the people of Ecuador who have been affected by recent flooding and the eruption of the volcano Tungurahua.
A communiqué issued by the Vatican Press Office today announced that the Holy Father has “sent a first consignment of emergency economic aid to the 11 Ecuadorian dioceses affected by recent flooding.”
This past Sunday, after reciting the Angelus, Pope Benedict appealed for help for the Ecuadorians by "inviting everyone to show fraternal solidarity so that the people of these areas - who are experiencing moments of anguish and tribulation in the wake of devastating floods and the eruption of the Tungurahua volcano - may, as soon a possible, return to the normality of everyday life".