«Dramatic news continues to arrive concerning the famine which has struck the Horn of Africa,» the Pope stated. Some 13.3 million people are threatened by the conditions that are spread throughout Somalia, Ethiopia and Kenya.
The Pontiff greeted Cardinal Robert Sarah, president of the Pontifical Council Cor Unum, and Bishop Giorgio Bertin, apostolic administrator of Mogadishu, who accompanied a group of Catholic charity representatives to the audience.
The Holy Father noted that the delegation will «meet to analyze initiatives aimed at resolving this humanitarian emergency; and their meeting will also be attended by a representative of the Archbishop of Canterbury, who has likewise made a plea in support of the people affected.»
«I renew my heartfelt appeal to the international community to continue its commitment to these people,» Benedict XVI urged. «At the same time, I invite everyone to offer prayers and concrete support to so many sorely tried brothers and sisters, particularly to the children of the region who are dying every day.»
