In a March 12 telegram to Archbishop Leo Jun Ikenaga of Osaka, the president of the Japanese bishops’ conference, the Pope said he was “deeply saddened” by news of the tragedy, and prayer for the dead and their loved ones. At his midday public audience on March 13, the Pontiff said images of the tsunami had “left a deep impression on us all.” He praised the people of Japan for “facing up to the consequences of these calamities with dignity and courage.” The Pontifical Council Cor Unum, the charitable arm of the papacy, announced that the Pope was making a donation of $100,000 to the relief efforts. “Obviously, material, concrete aid is necessary” to help the thousands who are suffering, a spokesman said.