VATICAN CITY, MAR 8 (ZENIT).- John Paul II responded to the catastrophic news coming from Mozambique, with a $150,000 donation for the victims of cyclone Eline.

    Archbishop Paul Josef Cordes, President of the Pontifical Council "Cor Unum," the institution responsible for promoting and organizing the Church's aid and charitable activities, left Rome today as papal envoy to this devastated African country. The donation made to Mozambique comes from the Holy Father's Charity Fund and the Pontifical Work for the Propagation of the Faith. It will be allocated to the most urgent needs.

    The Catholic Church worldwide responded to the tragedy in Mozambique through national Caritas organizations. To date, $1,650 million has been collected. A Vatican Press Office statement explains that the present contribution "is only the beginning of support for a country that today faces a most uncertain future."

    The southeast of Mozambique is covered by water. There are 400 confirmed deaths, but it is feared that as the waters recede, many bodies will surface. In the midst of an unbearable fetid odor, rescue teams have prepared common graves. One million people have been affected by the cyclone.

    According to the Vatican agency "Fides," the Pontifical Missionary Works are already analyzing a long-term plan for the reconstruction of pastoral centers, churches, and social structures of the dioceses.

    Archbishop Cordes will be in Mozambique for three days. He has scheduled meetings with the country's episcopate, directors of Caritas-Mozambique, and government authorities. The St. Vincent de Paul Sisters, who were loaned a helicopter by a Spanish benefactor three months ago, have placed it at Archbishop Cordes' disposal, so that he can visit the areas most affected by the floods and express the Pope's encouragement to the victims.

    Archbishop Janusz Juliusz, Apostolic Nuncio in Mozambique, told "Fides" that the "gratitude of the Mozambican people to John Paul II is immense. His appeals and concrete help are an important support in the tragedy afflicting the country." On March 7, the Mozambican bishops published a statement expressing their gratitude to the Holy Father for the constant assistance given to the country and his repeated appeals for aid to Mozambique. ZE00030804