Several years ago, Cross International Catholic Outreach launched an official collaboration with the Pontifical Council Cor Unum, the Pope’s own relief and development organization based in Rome.

The Pontificial Council Cor Unum for Human and Christian Development was established by Pope Paul VI in 1971. It directly assists the Pope and is his instrument for carrying out special humanitarian actions when disasters occur – which recently included outreaches to the tsunami victims in Southeast Asia, a response to famines in Africa and programs to assist hurricane survivors in the U.S. Cor Unum also encourages the faithful to give a concrete witness to evangelical charity, and it works to coordinate the initiatives of Catholic organizations through the exchange of information and by promoting cooperation. It encourages theological reflection among pastors in order to strengthen the Christian roots of charity, and it fosters and supports volunteer service to help the poor.

Cross International Catholic Outreach is proud to have been selected by Cor Unum for this unique collaboration, and we value the important work it has allowed us to accomplish in our Lord’s name and for His glory. Through this unprecedented relationship, Cross is able to support the Holy Father’s important outreaches to the poor and expand its own ability to respond to natural disasters and other emergencies around the globe.

To date, great things have been accomplished – and even more can be done to benefit the poor in the years ahead. Help us achieve these goals by hosting one of Cross International Catholic Outreach’s Outreach Preachers at your parish this year or by contacting Joe and Ann Brennan to discuss innovative planned giving opportunities.

Cross International Catholic Outreach’s special alliance with the Pontifical Council Cor Unum, the Vatican’s relief agency, has already yielded major benefits for the poor worldwide. Through the collaboration, hundreds of thousands of dollars in grants have been made to fund mercy ministries in the Middle East, Haiti and areas of Southeast Asia that were devastated by the Tsunami.

“Through Cor Unum, the Holy Father is able to respond to emergencies, natural disasters and other human needs all over the globe. We share this goal, and we believe our official collaboration with Cor unum will allow us to channel more resources to the poor in remote areas of the world,” explained Bishop Sam Jacobs, the chairman of Cross International Catholic Outreach.

“As a Catholic ministry, we value the Pope’s personal desire to reach out to the poor in times of great need. It is clearly the Spirit of God working through the Holy Father to manifest the Lord’s own mercy and comfort for hurting people,” said James Cavnar, the president of Cross International Catholic Outreach. “We’re proud that Cor Unum chose our ministry for this unique and close relationship. The Vatican’s special endorsement of our mission is very important to us.”

Although this unprecedented alliance between Cor Unum and Cross International Catholic Outreach is still young, Bishop Sam Jacobs believes the collaboration will develop rapidly in the years ahead. The ministry’s ultimate goal is to generate millions of dollars for the poor which can be supplied in grants to Cor Unum for distribution to key relief and development projects – now under the direction of Pope Benedict XVI.