Vatican earmarks $3.55 million for Ebola care

By: 10 years ago

Italian entrepreneur Marcello di Finizio talks on the phone as he stands on the facade of St. Peters Cathedral at the Vatican, Sunday, Dec. 21, 2014. Marcello di Finizio lowered himself Sunday onto a narrow ledge on the facade of St. Peters Cathedral, the fifth time he has evaded Vatican security to mount a public protest against government reforms from one of Roman Catholicisms holiest sites. Marcello di Finizio told the Associated Press by telephone from his perch overlooking St. Peters Square that he chose the spot above the cathedrals main entrance because it was more visible than the cupola, which he had scaled on four previous protests. (AP Photo/Alessandra Tarantino)

Photo shows the facade of St. Peters Cathedral at the Vatican, Sunday, Dec. 21, 2014. AP

VATICAN CITY — The Vatican is increasing assistance to Western African countries hard-hit by the Ebola virus, setting aside 3 million euros ($3.55 million) to fund protective gear for care-givers, transport for sick patients and care for orphans left behind.

Vatican charity organizations and offices that deal with the developing world issued a joint mission statement Wednesday on beefing up the Catholic Church’s response to the Ebola crisis in Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone.

Most funding will focus on helping local parishes provide grassroots support to victims and help fight the Ebola-related stigma for survivors. Some of the funds will be used to train clergy to help them better provide physical, emotional and support for victims, the Vatican said.