Pope makes fresh appeal for aid for Asian quake victims

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VATICAN CITY (AFP): Pope John Paul II on Wednesday made a fresh appeal for aid for the countries of Asia hit by tidal waves, calling on "believers and men of goodwill to contribute with generosity".

"News from Asia every day reveals more of the extent of the horrible tragedy which has particularly hit India, Indonesia, Sri Lanka and Thailand," the pope said at his weekly general audience.

"The international community and numerous humanitarian organizations mobilized rapidly to bring aid. At this Christmas time, I call on all believers and men of goodwill to contribute with generosity to this great work of solidarity with populationsalready hard tested and now exposed to the risks of epidemics," he said.

Since Sunday, the pope has on several occasions expressed his sadness at the immense tragedy in Asia and called on the international community to mobilize to bring aid to the affected populations. The Italian episcopal conference has decided to contribute three million euros in aid and the pontiff's humanitarian aid fund, Cor Unum, has opened a special bank account to receive donations
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