Press Release by the
Dicastery for Integral Human Development
Aid to Guatemala on behalf of the Holy Father following the eruption of the
“Volcán de Fuego”, 19 June 2018
Following the eruption of the “Volcán de Fuego” in Guatemala, which – according to provisional estimates – has affected more than 1.7 million people and forced around 13,000 people to evacuate their homes - a catastrophe that has claimed more than a hundred victims and wounded around sixty, as well as causing enormous material damages, Pope Francis has decided to send a first contribution of $100,000 through the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development to aid the populations in this emergency phase.
This amount, intended as an immediate expression of a sentiment of spiritual closeness and paternal encouragement on the part of the Holy Father, will be divided in collaboration with the Apostolic Nunciature, among the dioceses most affected by the catastrophe, and will be used for works to aid the people and territories afflicted by the eruption.
The contribution, accompanied by prayerful support for the beloved people of Guatemala, forms part of the relief that is being activated throughout the Catholic Church, and which involves many charitable entities, along with various episcopal conferences.
For information please contact the Press and Communications Office of the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development: Roberto Paglialonga (r.paglialonga@humandevelopment.va), Pamela Fabiano (p.fabiano@humandevelopment.va), Claudia di Lorenzi (c.dilorenzi@humandevelopment.va ).
(photo: Vatican News)