Vatican City, Mar 16, 2011 / 09:12 am
Pope Benedict XVI sent a donation of $100,000 to the Bishops’ Conference of Japan to help the victims of the earthquake and tsunami that struck the country on March 11.
Msgr. Anthony Figueiredo of the Pontifical Council Cor Unum, told Vatican Radio that the council is working closely with the Japanese bishops, Caritas International network and other aid organizations to determine the best way to respond to the needs of the people.
Cor Unum is the council that carries out the Pope's humanitarian efforts.
Msgr. Figueiredo said Japan has experienced “a vast tragedy” on par with the 2004 tsunami in Asia, the earthquake and flooding in Pakistan, and the devastating 2010 earthquake in Haiti.