ZENIT learned today from Vatican sources that Archbishop Paul Cordes, president of the Pontifical Council "Cor Unum," will visit Sri Lanka and Indonesia, and hold meetings with civil and Church officials about the countries' reconstruction.

Archbishop Cordes will also preside at several Masses for the repose of the souls of the victims.

When the Pope received the news of the Dec. 26 tidal wave, he sent first aid through "Cor Unum" to the peoples of Sri Lanka, India, Thailand, Indonesia and Somalia.

Catholic organizations have given urgent help to the affected areas in Southeast Asia, and collected some $500 million for the victims and the countries' reconstruction.