Catholic Charities agencies nationwide have provided nearly $400 million in emergency aid and services since March in response to the pandemic-induced economic recession.

“Let us pray for the victims, for their families; and let us pray for Lebanon so that it might face this extremely tragic and painful moment and, with the help of the international community, overcome the grave crisis they are experiencing.”

At least 50 people were killed and 2,700 injured. Catholic and other humanitarian agencies warn it could push the country into an even bigger catastrophe.

There are more young girls selling their bodies as Zimbabwe’s economic difficulties continue, in a broad collapse now exacerbated by the pandemic. The city is experiencing a spike in social vices like child prostitution and domestic violence.

A July 13 report from the United Nations said almost 690 million people went hungry in 2019, an increase of 10 million from the previous year—figures arrived at before the pandemic began.

Reflecting on how he could help promote racial justice and goodwill, an unemployed Minnesota father was inspired to find a way to feed those who are assisting their fellow brothers and sisters.