Benedict XVI sends donation to poor of Ivory Coast

Rome, Italy, May 29, 2007 / 12:22 pm MT (CNA).-

Pope Benedict XVI has sent a donation to the Ivory Coast to help the poor with their basic necessities.

The Pope’s donation and message of spiritual closeness to the African nation was conveyed by Cardinal Renato Martino, president of the Pontifical Councils for Justice and Peace and for Migrants and Itinerants, who is visiting the Ivory Coast on behalf of the Pontiff.

The cardinal encouraged the faithful in that country to continue down the road of peace and reconciliation and that public life should be open to all people of the nation, regardless of political affiliation, race or ethnicity. 

The cardinal’s visit came at the invitation of the Bishops’ Conference of the Ivory Coast, which has been plagued by a series of armed conflicts and wars.  Cardinal Martino was in the country from May 15-20 and visited several cities, including Bouake, a rebel hold-out.

In addition to presenting the Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church, the cardinal also presided at several Masses and met with the bishops and political leaders of the country.