Pope John Paul II received on Tuesday James T. Morris, executive director of the World Food Program, and praised the project aimed at assisting those who suffer from hunger and malnutrition throughout the world.

“The complexities of our modern era,” the Pope added, speaking in English, “are such that the joint commitment and efforts of many different organizations are necessary if the nutritional needs of millions of men, women and children are to be adequately met.”  “This is no easy task,”said the Pope, “but I am confident that, with the help and support of countless people of good will, the World Food Program will continue to be an important instrument of solidarity and assistance in the ongoing battle against undernourishment and starvation.”