Vatican Donates to Encourage Struggle Against Hunger

From Zenit.org:

NEW YORK, NOV. 7, 2002 (Zenit.org).- The Vatican made a symbolic financial contribution to the World Food Program to encourage international generosity with this initiative.

The announcement was made by Archbishop Renato Martino, president of the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace, when he addressed the meeting of donor countries, convoked by the United Nations.

The Vatican’s gesture expresses its support for the U.N. promotion this year of “ways and means for the eradication of poverty and sustainable development,” Archbishop Martino said Wednesday.

“The Holy See wishes to make a symbolic contribution representing its resolve toward the promotion and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms,” he added. “The long-standing position of the Holy See toward the eradication of poverty and the right to access to food security and adequate nutrition is proof of that commitment.”

“To help achieve that access, the Holy See pledges a symbolic contribution of $10,000 toward the Immediate Response Account of the International Emergency Food Reserve,” Archbishop Martino continued.

“In making this contribution, the Holy See shows its appreciation of the invaluable work of the World Food Program and reassures the dedication of the Holy See and the innumerable agencies, organizations and faithful of the Catholic Church, in striving to eradicate hunger and poverty throughout the world,” he concluded.

Code: ZE02110724

Date: 2002-11-07