MANILA — The Catholic Church on Sunday said it will donate P14 million to support rehabilitation efforts and relief operations in war-torn Marawi City.
The donation is part of its advocacy to assist the marginalized sector in times of calamities and conflict.
In a report from Radyo Pilipinas, the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) said these instances require stronger ties from the government and church.
Around 3,000 families were affected by the five-month Marawi siege.
The announcement was made during Sunday’s celebration of the World Day of the Poor and conclusion of the Jubilee Year of Mercy, an advocacy of Pope Francis.
Celebrating Mass in St. Peter’s Basilica on Sunday, Pope Francis expressed concern for those impoverished by the war.
The Pope denounced those who shrug off poverty as “not my business” and called indifference to the needy as a “great sin.”
Archbishop Rolando Tirona, national director of Caritas Philippines, the humanitarian, development and advocacy arm of CBCP, said the initiative started by Pope Francis serves as a challenge to all Christians.
He noted that the marginalized sector should not be treated like beggars and should be helped by those with better circumstances.
The Philippine Statistics Authority earlier reported that the poorest Filipinos are those from the agriculture and fishing sectors. (PNA)
