Following typhoon Rai, which hit the Philippines with extraordinary vehemence, affecting - according to United Nations sources - about 8 million people in 11 regions, and causing extensive material damage, Pope Francis has decided to send an initial contribution of 100,000 euro for the relief of the population, through the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development.
In collaboration with the Apostolic Nunciature in the Philippines, this sum will be sent to the local Church and destined for the dioceses most affected by the disaster to be used in works of assistance. It is intended to be an immediate expression of the Holy Father's feeling of spiritual closeness and paternal encouragement towards the people and territories affected, manifested on the sidelines of the Angelus in St Peter's Square on Sunday 19 December 2021, with the invocation of Our Lady's protection.
This contribution, which accompanies the prayer in support of the beloved Filipino population, is part of the aid that is being activated throughout the Catholic Church and which involves, in addition to various Episcopal Conferences, numerous charitable organisations.
The Holy Father has also decided to send a contribution of 100,000 euro in favour of the groups of migrants stranded between Poland and Belarus and in aid to Caritas Polska to deal with the migration emergency on the border between the two countries.