HONG KONG (SE): Pope Francis donated US$100,000 ($776,920) as a gesture of solidarity with the underprivileged families and people of Hong Kong affected by the Covid-19 viral epidemic. The diocese will disburse the amount after identifying the most deserving people through parishes, the Commission for Labour Affairs and Caritas-Hong Kong.
John Cardinal Tong Hon, apostolic administrator of Hong Kong, expressed his gratitude to Pope Francis in a letter while also congratulating him on the seventh anniversary of his pontificate.
“Your Holiness: Congratulations on the 7th anniversary of your pontificate! Thank you for leading us on our journey of faith during this difficult time. We wish to renew our pledge of loyalty, support and appreciation manifested in your ministry,” Cardinal Tong wrote. He also thanked the pope for dedicating the month of March as a month of prayer for the Catholics in China.
The gesture of solidarity from Pope Francis sets an example par excellence for Christian charity at a time when Italy and other European nations are also facing a lockdown due to the spread of Covid-19. Italy has recorded most number of fatalities after China due to the virus with 827 deaths as of March 12.
Cardinal Tong in his letter assured prayers and spiritual accompaniment for all the affected people in Europe and around the world.
“We would like to assure Your Holiness that we shall be praying for Italy and all the countries affected by this epidemic. As every person is precious in the eyes of God, we are confident that he will lead us through this valley of darkness into the wonderful light of a brighter tomorrow,” the cardinal wrote.
