The Message of Caritas to Pope Francis in the General Assembly of Caritas Internationalis with the Holy Father. May 11, 2023
Your Holiness, Pope Francis, good morning.
Thank you for welcoming us this morning, and for the great joy that this meeting gives us.
Since our last meeting four years ago, the Caritas Confederation has been walking together, and we unite again today from over 160 countries.
To move forward in unity is a “prophetic” project of faith and hope which also requires patience and effort... just as in a family!
As we work in our common mission to accompany the most vulnerable people in all corners of the world, Caritas wants to grow as a family that values the diversity of its Members and always puts the poor and marginalized at the center.
While travelling this road, we have been at the side of the bishops and local Churches at the peripheries of humanity, in wealthy and poor countries, and throughout different crises, striving to show the loving face of the Church and to work for a world which is more peaceful, just, and in communion with creation.
In the Horn of Africa, Ukraine and neighboring countries, Venezuela, the Sahel, Congo, Myanmar, Syria, Turkey, Pakistan, the Pacific Islands, and many other countries, our commitment and prayer have been able to bring the gifts of “five loaves and two fish.”
Even though at times these gifts may seem miraculous, we know that they are the small offering which we lay at the feet of the Lord Jesus in our mission of service.
Today we begin our 22nd General Assembly, a time of grace, joy, prayer, discussion and decisions, which we have titled Building new paths of fraternity.
In these days, our heartfelt desire is that the Holy Spirit and the Word of God will be a lamp of discernment to guide us as we plan the continuation of our journey of charity; a journey which presents us with challenges to be overcome, but which also bears immense fruits of peace, strength, mercy and hope, because we know that with Jesus at our side, we will lack nothing.
Holy Father, with our deepest affection and entire trust, we ask you to direct our steps in these days, and we assure you of our prayers for you.