Pope: Remember the Poor; Special Appeal for Caribbean

1) Pope: Despite Strained Economy, Remember the Poor

CASTEL GANDOLFO, Italy, SEPT. 21, 2008 (Zenit.org).- Benedict XVI is urging leaders to fight against extreme poverty, even if it means greater sacrifice as many countries face economic difficulties.
The Pope made this appeal today after he prayed the midday Angelus with crowds gathered at the papal summer residence at Castel Gandolfo.
"This Thursday, Sept. 25, there will be a high level meeting, in the context of the 63rd General Assembly of the United Nations, to verify the accomplishment of the objectives established by the 'Millennium Declaration' of Sept. 8, 2000," the Holy Father noted.

"On the occasion of this important gathering, in which the leaders of all the countries of the world will be together," he continued, "I would like to renew the invitation to take up and apply with courage the necessary measures to eliminate extreme poverty, hunger and lack of education and the scourge of the pandemics that harm the most vulnerable above all."
The Pontiff assured that "such a commitment, while demanding sacrifices in these moments of worldwide economic difficulties, will not be without important benefits for the development of nations who are in need of help and for the peace and well-being of the entire planet."

2) SOLIDARITY WITH CYCLONE VICTIMS AND APPEAL TO THE U.N.

VATICAN CITY, 21 SEP 2008 (VIS) - After praying the Angelus this morning, the Holy Father made a call in favour of Caribbean countries, particularly Haiti, Cuba and the Dominican Republic, as well as the U.S. state of Texas, which have all been struck by cyclones in recent weeks.

"Once again", he said, "I would like to ensure all those dear people of a special mention in my prayers. I trust that aid may soon arrive in the most severely damaged areas. May it be the Lord's will that, at least in these circumstances, solidarity and fraternity prevail over all else".

Benedict XVI then went on he recall how on 25 September in New York, within the context of the 63rd U.N. General Assembly, a high level meeting will be held to verify the achievement of the goals laid down in the Millennium Declaration, which was adopted at a summit of world leaders on 8 September 2000.

The Holy Father renewed his invitation for everyone "courageously to take and apply the measures necessary to eradicate extreme poverty, hunger, ignorance and pandemics, which especially strike the most vulnerable. Such a commitment, though requiring particular sacrifices at this time of world economic difficulties, will not fail to produce important benefits, both for the development of nations which need external aid, and for the peace and wellbeing of the entire planet".
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