Foundation considers nearly $3M for aid to Latin America

(July 25, 2012) The administrative council of the Populorum Progressio Foundation began its annual meeting on Tuesday in Bogota, Columbia. During the July 24-27 meeting the group will consider some 203 projects to aid poor indigenous, mixed race and African-American communities of Latin America and the Caribbean. Populorum Progressio was founded in 1992 and is part of the Pontifical Council Cor Unum. The administrative council is led by Cardinal Robert Sarah, president of the Foundation and of the pontifical council. The group is meeting in Colombia, as the administrative council traditionally holds its annual session in a country of Latin America or the Caribbean, in order to draw attention to the activities and initiatives of the particular Churches there. A total of 203 projects have been presented this year, involving 19 countries and a total value of $2,908,727. The Foundation receives its principal financial support from the Italian Episcopal Conference's committee for charitable initiatives in favour of the Third World, and from private donors. The Foundation is currently going through a period of renewal, both of its membership and secretariat, with the aim of identifying new ways to propagate the activities of Populorum Progressio. This year's meeting will also serve to elect a new president and vice president of the administrative council.