DECLARATION REGARDING WAR VICTIM FUNDS

VATICAN CITY, DEC 24, 2001 (VIS) - Holy See Press Office Director Joaquin Navarro-Valls today made the following declaration:

"The Holy Father, in announcing the day of fasting, prayer and charity of December 14, made it known that the offerings gathered on that occasion would be given, on Christmas Day, to the victims of terrorism and war. He has now entrusted the Pontifical Council 'Cor Unum' (where thus far the sum of 750,000,000 Italian Lire has been collected, while various contributions amounting to 685,000,000 Italian Lire have been made directly to the Secretariat of State) with the task of ensuring that these offerings reach their destination; giving priority to children, the elderly, the sick, the homeless and those most exposed to the dangers of cold and hunger in these winter months.

"His Holiness thanks all those people who generously responded to his appeal and trusts that international solidarity may continue to support people in difficulty even after an emergency has passed. May the celebration of the Nativity of the Lord inspire all believers to make a choral invocation to God for the gift of peace and a renewed commitment to build that peace, every day and in all corners of the earth."

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