Papal spokesman Joaquín Navarro-Valls on Monday said that the money would be used to help above all «children, the elderly, the sick, people left homeless and those most exposed to the danger of cold and of hunger in these winter months.» No specific recipient of the aid was cited.
«His Holiness thanks all those who wanted to respond generously to his appeal, and hopes that international solidarity continues to support populations in difficulty even beyond the emergency,» Navarro-Valls said.
The Holy Father chose the end of the Muslim fasting period of Ramadan for the one-day fast, saying he hoped it would help build comprehension between Christians and Muslims.
The Pope has spoken out several times about the Sept. 11 attacks and has declared that nothing justifies terrorism.
