Over 2000 projects for an overall amount exceeding 20 million dollars: it is the budget of the "Populorum Progressio" foundation, in the service of native populations (Afro-Americans, mixed races, peasants and poor populations of Latin America). Its board of directors is meeting in the Vatican from today to Thursday 14 June. It is presided over by the archbishop of Manizales (Colombia), Msgr. Fabio Betancur Tirado, to examine over 220 submitted projects, which can be financed through 1.8 million dollars. Together with the members of the board (including the archbishops of Guadalajara-Mexico, La Paz-Bolivia, Guayaquil-Ecuador), a few experts and the CEI delegation of the Charity Commission in favour of the third world will take part in the works. The delegation will be led by President Msgr. Piergiuseppe Vacchelli. The CEI commission is the most important financer of the Vatican foundation, led by the Papal Council Cor Unum. Usually, the aid is meant for Catholic communities and missions, and it concerns the carrying out of infrastructures, schools, training, health, catechesis, pastoral and cultural promotion. On Thursday, 14 June, the participants are being received in audience by the Pope.
