The amount is "an initial contribution" to help the people of Haiti "in this emergency phase," according to the Vatican's Dicastery for the Promotion of Integral Human Development.

In an Aug 24 press release, the dicastery said the money will be distributed to the Catholic dioceses most in need, with collaboration from the Vatican's embassy in Haiti, the apostolic nunciature.

The funds "will be used to assist the earthquake victims and is intended to be an immediate expression of the feeling of spiritual closeness and paternal encouragement towards the people and territories affected, demonstrated by the Holy Father," it said.

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At an evangelical church in the Bergeaud neighbourhood, parishioners sang hymns under beams of sunlight streaming through holes in the roof and walls.

Pastor Sevrain Marc Dix Jonas said Sunday's service was special because his congregation had been unable to meet since the quake.

"Today was a must," Dix Jonas said, standing below a gaping opening high in his church's façade. "To thank God. He protected us. We did not die."

His church was one of the few where congregants could worship inside. At many others, services were held in the street outside collapsed sanctuaries.

Taking that into account, the Roman Catholic church in Les Cayes moved its morning service to 6:30 a.m. to avoid the heat of the day.

For many Haitians, their only source of aid throughout their lives has been the church in the absence of strong government institutions.

In the city of Les Cayes, which was particularly devastated by the quake, clerics despaired even as they sought to project hope and resolve to rebuild.

"We are the only thing here," said the Rev Yves Joel Jacqueline, 44. He works at the cathedral in Les Cayes with Haiti's cardinal, Bishop Chibly Langlois, who was hurt in the quake.

"There is no support from the government."

"Our church is destroyed and many churches around Les Cayes, and in Haiti are quake-damaged. But we have faith and know as long as people are still here, we can build back our community," said Father Jacqueline.

Meanwhile, a Haitian gang leader on Sunday offered a truce and support for communities shattered by the earthquake.

Gangs have blocked roads, hijacked aid trucks and stolen supplies, forcing relief workers to transport supplies by helicopter. In places, desperate crowds have scuffled over bags of food.

But, it wasn't immediately clear how much impact the truce offer might have.

While powerful, Jimmy Cherizier, alias "Barbecue," is far from the only gang leader in Haiti.

Social media reports suggested an earlier gang truce failed to prevent attacks on the expanding relief effort.

Sources

News4Jax

The New York Times

Julianne Hickey, who is the director of Caritas in New Zealand, says the turmoil in Haiti and Afghanistan "requires a global response as these crises unfold against the backdrop of the COVID-19 pandemic.

"Our global network of Caritas agencies enables us to reach out and help in most places around the world. Caritas is there working with displaced people and vulnerable communities in great need," she says.

Caritas Aotearoa New Zealand has already pledged $10,000 each to Haiti and Afghanistan. It is also receiving donations to its general Emergency Fund which can be tagged for either or both countries.

The two international crises - though of entirely different causes - have resulted in deaths, widespread destruction and homelessness.

In Haiti a 14 August earthquake killed more than 700 people and injured more than 2,800. Many others are missing. Churches, schools and hospitals are among the 1000-plus "razed" buildings razed to the ground.

Caritas Haiti has mobilised teams to reach areas most affected by the quake and is assessing the damage and the needs of people in different parts of the country.

"The entire Caritas Haiti network, especially the emergency team, is participating in coordination and aid operations in the three affected departments," says Caritas Haiti director Father Jean-Hervé François.

Francois says the country's needs are immense. Urgent requirements are basic: food, water, tents, hygiene kits and first aid.

Meanwhile, thousands of people in Afghanistan have been displaced and need support in the midst of a rapidly changing, volatile conflict.

The road to New Zealand's contribution to the Caritas effort in Afghanistan funnels through Catholic Relief Services (CRS), which is a US-based Caritas member. CRS has a 23-year history of providing humanitarian help in the country.

In addition, for several years Aotearoa New Zealand Caritas's reach has extended to helping provide rural development assistance in Bamyan province in Afghanistan. There, the charity has been promoting soil and water conservation to improve farming, and savings groups to provide food and earn income from crops, sewing and handicrafts.

Caritas will send donated funds to its partners on the ground in Haiti and Afghanistan. Donations can be made through the Caritas website www.caritas.org.nz or by calling 0800 22 10 22.

Source

• Caritas
• Image: World Vision