Pope Francis Gives $100,000 to Hurricane-Ravaged Haiti

Pope Francis is sending $100,000 in emergency funding to Haiti following the massive devastation caused by Hurricane Matthew.

The Vatican said the money is "a first and immediate concrete expression of the feelings of paternal spiritual closeness and encouragement of the Holy Father toward the people and territories affected," the Catholic News Agency (CNA) reports.

Hurricane Matthew smashed into Haiti Oct. 4, killing at least 473 people. Another 752 people are missing.

Local agencies believe the number could be as high as 1,000 people dead, but cannot confirm until they have visited all villages, Reuters reports.

The country is in desperate need of water, medical supplies, building materials and sanitation facilities. A major cholera outbreak is also feared.

In message to Haiti following the killer storm, the Pontiff entrusted the Haitian people to the "maternal protection" of Our Lady of Perpetual Help.

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