The designation will continue for the next 18 months, and people may apply immediately.

The massive amount of aid pouring into the country is dwarfed by the overwhelming needs of people who lost their homes, families, jobs and possessions.

A pastoral letter said major sporting events often see "systems put in place to satisfy the demand for paid sex."

Archbishop Timothy Dolan said all the funds collected in New York would be routed through Catholic Relief Services.

Among those turning 75 this year is Cardinal Justin Rigali of Philadelphia.

Thailand’s Catholic aid agency was refused access to more than 4,000 ethnic Hmong asylum seekers as Thai soldiers arrived to deport them to Laos.