by FFE Entertainment News staff

After urging St Peter’s Square attendees to give ‘concrete aid’ to the victims of super typhoon Yolanda (international name Haiyan), Pope Francis led by example by sending emergency financial aid to the largest Catholic nation in Asia.

In a statement, the Vatican said it will donate €112,000 (Php6.5m) as a ‘first contribution’ to the Philippines. This donation will be ‘distributed through the local Church in the areas worst hit by the tragedy’ and will be ‘used to support aid operations for displaced people.’

The Vatican also said that the donation was made as a ‘concrete expression’ of the pope’s ‘spiritual closeness and paternal support’ of those who are suffering in the wake of the typhoon.

On Monday, the pope once again expressed his solidarity with the Filipino people as he tweeted:

This is the second time the pope has called Catholics to give concrete help alongside prayers for the victims of typhoon Yolanda.