Back in the late 1960s and 1970s, detractors of St. Paul VI dubbed him the “Hamlet Pope” for his alleged waffling and the perceived fashion in which he would agonise over difficult decisions. Whether that image of the pontiff was fair or not, it stuck, so much so that it featured in the opening paragraphs Read more
Caritas leaders have been replaced with a temporary administrator after Pope Francis suspended the secretary-general, Aloysius John (pictured right). Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle (pictured left), whose second term as Caritas president was to end in May, has also lost his position. Francis appointed a temporary administrator to oversee improved management policies and to prepare for Read more
Food insecurity, violence and climate change are forcing Africa into a corner. The continent is facing a looming food crisis caused by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. In better times, between 2018 and 2020, Africa imported 44 percent of its wheat from Russia and Ukraine. “A striking phenomenon is the link between food insecurity, violence and Read more
Caritas Internationalis secretary general Aloysius John has lauded the people of Bangladesh for their generosity in supporting Rohingya refugees. “My visit to Bangladesh was first of all to witness the solidarity of the confederation in Caritas Bangladesh and to the people of Bangladesh for their generosity in receiving the displaced people from Myanmar — the Read more
Global Catholic charity, Caritas, joined other Catholic agencies and faith community pilgrims heading to Glasgow this week. Caritas NZ says the pilgrims are in Glasgow to pray and to press world leaders for strong action at COP26 – the 26th Conference of Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. Religious leaders representing Read more
The Germany’s deadly floods have prompted the countries it usually helps to offer their support. Officials say at least 171 people have died since the flooding began last week. Many more are injured and 155 are missing. Images of Germany’s flooded villages and towns have prompted international aid agencies to offer compassion and concern. Agencies Read more
In four years participants in a Caritas campaign have logged about 600,000km in symbolic solidarity walks with migrants and refugees. The global “Share the Journey” campaign aims to build “bridges of hope between islands separated by fear,” says Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, president of Caritas Internationalis. Although the campaign has formally ended, its message continues. Read more
Human trafficking numbers are growing because of Covid-19, according to a joint statement from Caritas Internationalis and Christian Organisation Against Trafficking (COATNET). Many of the pandemic’s socio-economic effects are aggravating human trafficking and exploitation, which the International Labour Organization (ILO) says affects over 40 million people. Caritas and COATNET are urging governments to intensify efforts Read more
Human trafficking victims need greater protection says the Vatican-based international network of Catholic charities. Insufficient attention “was paid on the collateral damage of the ongoing pandemic, especially on migrants and informal workers, who are now more exposed to trafficking and exploitation,” Caritas Internationalis says. Caritas voiced its concerns to highlight the plight of human trafficking Read more
Caritas Internationalis, the Vatican’s charitable organization, joined Pope Francis in his call for the debt forgiveness for the poorest countries, while condemning the fact that for many regions “there are two pandemics,” COVID-19 and hunger. “Two major crises require immediate and determined action by people of goodwill, leaders and all members of the human community,” Read more