EUROPE/ITALY-Caritas Internationalis: 60 years of concrete activities in response to human suffering

Rome (Agenzia Fides) - On the occasion of the 19th General Assembly of Caritas Internationalis, which will be held in Rome at the end of May, representatives from around the world will celebrate the 60th anniversary of the founding of the Catholic organization. Over 300 delegates will gather to plan a better service to the poorest. Caritas Internationalis was founded in 1951 by 13 Catholic charitable associations to coordinate the humanitarian efforts of the Church. Since then the members have become 165, including groups of humanitarian aid and social development of the national Episcopal Conferences around the world. The members of the Caritas support millions of poor with the aim of improving their lives through international programs that range from reducing the risks of disasters, to rescue and reconstruction, peace reconciliation, food security, education and all health care.
The President of Caritas Internationalis, Cardinal Oscar Rodriguez Maradiaga, Archbishop of Tegucigalpa, wanted to emphasize the objectives of the Assembly, whose theme is One Human Family, Zero Poverty, adding that "Caritas Internationalis feels deeply privileged to be the main point of the Church and the life cycle of love. Sustained by our faith, we celebrate 60 years of activities with concrete actions in response to human suffering in an unjust world. However, there are challenges, hunger and humanitarian emergencies increase, and climate change will bring more damage. " The General Assembly is held in a crucial moment for Caritas Internationalis, as the Statute and Rules of the confederation are about to be renewed. (AP) (Agenzia Fides 05/17/2011)