The donation was announced on Saturday (27) by the Vatican
The Vatican announced on Saturday (27) that Pope Francis has sent 500,000 dollars (about R$ 1.9 billion) to migrants from Central America who are at the Mexican border trying to reach the USA. The donation was made through St. Peter's Oblate, according to "Vatican News", the Vatican's official communication channel.
The money will be distributed among 27 projects from 16 Mexican dioceses and religious congregations which, according to Vatican News, have asked for help to continue assisting migrants with lodging, food and other "basic necessities". St. Peter's Cake is a fund maintained with donations made to the Church around the world.
"In 2018, six caravans of migrants entered Mexico, a total of 75,000 people. The arrival of other groups was announced. All these people have been stranded, prevented from entering the United States, without a home or the means to guarantee their livelihood. The Catholic Church hosts thousands of them in hotels within dioceses or religious congregations, providing basic necessities, from housing to clothing," says the Óbolo statement, according to the BBC.
Over time, says the Pope, media coverage of the situation of migrants has diminished and, as a consequence, so has aid from the government and individuals.
In March, the Pope criticized the wall that US President Donald Trump wants to build on the border with Mexico to keep migrants out.
"Those who build walls, whether they are made of barbed wire or bricks, will end up becoming prisoners of the walls they build," said the pontiff.
According to Vatican News, of the 27 projects that provide assistance to migrants, 13 have been approved by Mexican dioceses. The other 14 projects still need to be evaluated in order to guarantee the transparent use of resources.
"Thanks to these projects, to Christian charity and solidarity, the Mexican bishops are helping thousands of migrants," the Pope said.