LONDON, OCT. 8, 2007 (Zenit.org).- A British Catholic charity launched an $8 million appeal to aid those worst hit by the political and economic crisis in Zimbabwe.
The Catholic Agency for Overseas Development (CAFOD) started an emergency program Friday that will provide food, seeds and tools to more than 120,000 people, the Catholic Information Service for Africa reported.
Archbishop Robert Ndlovu of Harare said Zimbabwe, a country on the edge of collapse, is unable to feed its people, and the situation is worsening.
"We have already lost too many of our children, friends, brothers and sisters to hunger and disease," said the archbishop. "Many more have fled the country, fleeing from lives that have become unbearable through poverty and hunger."
According to the United Nations, Zimbabwe's total harvest this year dropped by 40%, inflation is at 7,000%, and high levels of HIV and AIDS continue to bring instability to daily life.
Cardinal Cormac Murphy-O'Connor, archbishop of Westminster, backing the CAFOD appeal, said: "Many of us have held the people of Zimbabwe close in prayer over the last few years and watched with sadness as it continues to decline into poverty and conflict.
"I urge the Catholic community to support CAFOD's appeal for Zimbabwe and to remember the people of Zimbabwe in their prayers."
ZE07100804 - 2007-10-08