Pope Francis gave €100,000 to support families who were affected by the 2019 Easter bombings in Sri Lanka.
The Pope has repeatedly urged Christians to pray for the victims and has expressed his closeness to the Sri Lankan people. During his visit to Sri Lanka in 2015, he explained how religion must never be used to justify violence.
POPE FRANCIS
For the sake of peace, religious beliefs must never be allowed to be abused in the cause of violence and war.
Earlier this year, members of the Sri Lankan community came to Rome to meet with Pope Francis and discuss the situation in their country three years after the bombings. Their goal was to show the resilience of the Christians in Sri Lanka.
Similarly, Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith, Archbishop of Colombo, Sri Lanka says that the attacks have led to an unexpected consequence.
CARD. MALCOLM RANJITH
Archbishop of Colombo (Sri Lanka)
I find people are becoming more religious and thinking 'Why?’ It seems a positive effect has taken place in the midst of all the crying, all the pain and all the suffering.
In an interview with Vatican News, Cardinal Ranjith expressed his gratitude to the Pope for this surprising gesture of generosity.
The Pope's gift will give support to about 400 families as the country continues to face fuel shortages, billions of dollars of debt, and a rise in food prices.
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