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January 13, 2010.  Pope Benedict XVI issued an urgent appeal for help and prayers for the people of Haiti at the conclusion of his regular weekly public audience on Wednesday, January 13. He called attention to the "tragic situation" created by a major earthquake that has caused "serious loss of human life, large numbers of homeless and missing people, and vast material damage."

Promising his prayers for the victims and their families, the Pope added: "I appeal to the generosity of all people so that these our brothers and sisters who are experiencing a moment of need and suffering may not lack our concrete solidarity and the effective support of the international community."  He said that Catholic charities would respond as quickly and generously as possible.

Catholic Relief Services (CRS), the official international humanitarian agency of the U.S. Catholic Church, is responding to victims of the massive earthquake in Haiti. To donate, please call 1-877-HELP-CRS, donate online at www.crs.org, or send a check to Catholic Relief Services, PO Box 17090, Baltimore, MD  21203-7090.  In the memo portion of your check, please write: Haiti Earthquake.

Full Text from Vatican Information Service

PAPAL APPEAL FOLLOWING EARTHQUAKE IN HAITI
VATICAN CITY, 13 JAN 2010 (VIS) - At the end of today's general audience, held in the Paul VI Hall, the Pope launched an appeal "for the dramatic situation currently being experienced in Haiti."

"My thoughts go in particular to the population hit just a few hours ago by a devastating earthquake which has caused serious loss of human life, large numbers of homeless and missing people, and vast material damage.

"I invite everyone to join my prayers to the Lord for the victims of this catastrophe and for those who mourn their loss. I give assurances of my spiritual closeness to people who have lost their homes and to everyone who, in various ways, has been affected by this terrible calamity, imploring God to bring them consolation and relief in their suffering.

"I appeal to the generosity of all people so that these our brothers and sisters who are experiencing a moment of need and suffering may not lack our concrete solidarity and the effective support of the international community. The Catholic Church will not fail to move immediately, through her charitable institutions, to meet the most immediate needs of the population."

Prayer

God of all creation, as we weep with our family in Haiti, console us.  In this time of crisis, open our eyes to look beyond the disaster to see Christ in our brothers and sisters in Haiti, as Christ sees us. Be with us as we stand in solidarity with those living and working in Haiti.  Be with us in our mourning and guide our efforts to feed the hungry, shelter the homeless, comfort the grieving and stand for justice.  With your mercy, sustain us at this time as we continue to work for peace and justice.  Amen.

For the Haitian people, that help comes to them quickly and comfort comes to those who hurt.  Lord, hear our prayer.

For the lost or buried, that they are found and reunited with their loved ones.  Lord, hear our prayer.

For the relief workers, that they have the tools they need, the courage and the strength to respond fully.  Lord, hear our prayer.

For the families in Haiti and in the United States who are waiting to hear from loved one, that good news comes to them.  Lord, hear our prayer.

For those whose who have perished, may their souls rest with you, oh Lord, where they will find eternal love.  Amen.

FOR UP-TO-DATE INFORMATION ON THE RELIEF EFFORT IN HAITI, VISIT www.crs.org.