Dear Friend,

As we prepare to observe Lent, many of us find ourselves preoccupied with the hardships brought on by the global economic crisis that followed closely on the heels of a global food crisis. Amid dire economic news, we see the signs of stress placed upon our families and friends—the stress of dealing with home foreclosures, layoffs and increased costs of living. But these growing needs are not only evident in our own country and communities. They exist and manifest themselves many times over and with greater intensity in poor countries overseas.
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Catholic News Services published a report in which a Vatican official, citing the global economic crisis, urges wealthy nations not to cut development aid.

“Although many nations may be tempted to cut development aid in the midst of the international financial crisis, the crisis itself shows that an economic system focused only on making money for financial investors is bound to fail,” said Cardinal Renato Martino, president of the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace.

The news service said Martino invited financial and development experts to the Vatican to discuss the current economic crisis and its impact on the poor.