VATICAN - Pope's new appeal for the Horn of Africa: "I invite everyone to offer prayers and concrete support"

Vatican City (Agenzia Fides) - At the end of the general audience on Wednesday, October 5, held at St. Peter's Square, Pope Benedict XVI made a new appeal for the drammatic situation of the people in the Horn of Africa. These are the words of the Pope: "Dramatic news continues to arrive concerning the famine which has struck the Horn of Africa. I greet Cardinal Robert Sarah, President of the Pontifical Council 'Cor Unum' and Bishop Giorgio Bertin, Apostolic Administrator of Mogadishu, who are present at this audience with a number of representatives of Catholic Charity organisations, who will meet to analyse initiatives aimed at resolving this humanitarian emergency. The meeting will also be attended by a representative of the Archbishop of Canterbury, who has likewise made an appeal in support of the people affected. I renew my heartfelt appeal to the international community to continue its commitment to these people and I invite everyone to offer prayers and concrete support to so many sorely tired brothers and sisters, particularly to the children of the region who are dying every day because of the lack of water and food". (SL) (Agenzia Fides 06/10/2011)