Pope sends $150,000, as Vatican sets up fund for victims of super typhoon in Philippines
November 11, 2013. (Romereports.com) The death toll is estimated at 10,000, but expected to grow. There are millions affected, and nearly 600,000 people displaced, after Typhoon Haiyan battered the Philippines with 150mph winds and 10-foot tidal waves. PATRICK NICHOLSON Communications Director, Caritas Internationalis “People who've flown over the area say they haven't seen similar to this since the Asian Tsunami in 2004 or the Haiti earthquake, so we're talking about a massive catastrophe.” Such comparisons are proof of the destruction, and the need for immediate assistance. Catholic groups stepped up right away. Pope Francis, through the Vatican's Cor Unum Council, agreed to send $150,000 to the Catholic Church in the Philippines. The money will be distributed among the dioceses hardest hit by the storm. Meanwhile the Vatican's official aid agency, Caritas Internationalis, created a special fund where people can donate to support aid efforts. They a...