Pope’s concrete gesture for Christians of Gaza

(January 19, 2009) Meanwhile Pope Benedict XVI is reaching out to the people, and in particular to the Catholics of Gaza Strip. The Pontifical Council ‘Cor Unum’, the Vatican department that promotes and coordinates Catholic charities worldwide said in a note that Pope Benedict XVI has repeatedly expressed "his closeness to our brothers and sisters living in the Gaza Strip, who have suffered so much because of the persistent conflict that has caused a serious humanitarian crisis." Cor Unum said that the pope has decided to send "a concrete sign of his personal support for the small but fervent Catholic presence in Gaza." "The aid has been sent to Fr. Manuel Musallam, pastor of the Church of the Holy Family, to the Missionaries of Charity, and to other religious congregation serving the most vulnerable people in the birthplace of Jesus, now tragically afflicted by death, suffering, destruction, while the people weep for peace," Cor Unum said.