His Eminence Cardinal Paul Josef Cordes, President of the Pontifical Council Cor Unum, is visiting in Taiwan from September 4 to 12. In addition to host the second Spiritual Exercise for the Leaders of the Church’s Charitable Organization in Asia 2009 at Fu Jen Catholic University, Cardinal Cordes will pray for the victims of Typhoon Morakot.

         Cardinal Cordes has been a longstanding friend of Taiwan. In January 2001, he visited the victims of the 921 Earthquake on behalf of Pope John Paul II, and was awarded the Order of Brilliant Star with Grand Cordon by former President Lee Teng-hui. During this visit, Cardinal Cordes will also meet with President Ma Ying-jeou and Minister of Foreign Affairs Francisco Ou, and console victims of the disaster areas in southern Taiwan.

         The Spiritual Exercise for the Leaders of the Church’s Charitable Organization in Asia is an international forum hosted by the Pontifical Council Cor Unum of the Holy See. Cardinal Cordes will lead four other cardinals and other 60 archbishops from Asia to take part of the event. Furthermore, more than 450 people from churches and charitable organizations of 29 countries will participate the conference. The convention is the largest and most important Catholic seminar in Taiwan during recent years. The symposium to be held in a Catholic retreat aims at raising awareness and spirit of love and ethics as well as saying prayers for victims of Typhoon Morakot. As Taiwan prepares to rebuild the country in the aftermath, the colloquium will play a crucial role to encourage and comfort the bereaved.

         Pontifical Council Cor Unum is an executive institution of the Holy See that coordinates Catholic charities and international humanitarian organizations. Taiwan, an active participant in the international community, has responded to the Creed of “Deus Caritas Est” advocated by Pope Benedict XVI by working closely with the Council to promote charity and humanitarian assistance around the world.

         Typhoon Morakot caused severe loss of life and property in Taiwan, the Pontifical Council Cor Unum thus promptly donated US$50,000 on behalf of the Holy Father and the Holy See to collaborate with the reconstruction task. His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI later prayed for Taiwan’s victims in public gatherings.

         The government of the Republic of China (Taiwan) would like to take this opportunity to express its heartfelt appreciation to the love and concern of His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI, as well as the consolation of the Holy See towards the victims and their families. The government of the Republic of China (Taiwan) firmly believes that the Almighty will answer of loving prayers Pope Benedict XVI, healing the sorrow of the brokenhearted and restoring confidence of lost souls. Our government is convinced that the people of Taiwan will overcome the adversity and build a better tomorrow.