Caritas Europa

25/04/2025

We’ve just wrapped up the first workshop of the Caritas Europa Executive Leadership Training Programme (ELTP) in London!🎉

17 Leaders from regional, national and diocesan Caritas organisations across Europe came together to reflect, learn and grow in their mission to serve, guided by the principles of Catholic Social Teaching, justice and solidarity ✨

During the workshop, participants shared experiences, explored value-based leadership models and discussed how to integrate ethical and inclusive approaches into their roles as executive leaders 🤝

It was a privilege to spend these days with such a fantastic group, each bringing unique perspectives, courage and a deep commitment to our shared journey!

Marc Somers Fundaţia de Binefacere Caritas Moldova Caritas Hellas Caritas Belarus Caritas Malta Caritas Danmark Caritas Portuguesa CAFOD Caritas Sverige

21/04/2025

🙏With deep sorrow and immense gratitude, Caritas Europa joins the global Catholic community in mourning the passing of His Holiness .

"It is with profound sadness that we learn of the passing of Pope Francis and join millions around the world in mourning this immense loss. But even stronger than the sadness is the gratefulness for his life and actions. His pontificate was one of extraordinary courage, compassion and commitment to those on the margins of society, always reminding us that the Church must always stand where Christ stood - alongside those in need. His choice of the name Francis was a commitment to humility, service and solidarity. His words and actions called us to reject the “globalisation of indifference” and to build a world rooted in compassion and justice. As Caritas Europa, we recognise with gratitude his unwavering support of our mission. Even in grief, we take strength from his words: ‘We have a lot to do. And we must do it together.”

Michael Landau, President, Caritas Europa

"It is with profound emotion, sadness and at the same time immense gratitude that I receive the news of the death of our beloved Pope Francis. How meaningful that he passed away during Easter, having just celebrated the passion and resurrection of Christ: the deepest message of hope, which he clung to and shared throughout his whole life and which he prophetically embodied during his papacy.

At Caritas, we thank him for his extraordinary closeness and action, reminding us that whatever we did for the least of our brothers and sisters, we did for Him (Matthew 25:45). Pope Francis emphasised the profound connection between caring for those experiencing poverty and encountering Christ, saying: “There is one thing that always makes me think. When Jesus talks about the final judgment, he says (…): 'Come with me because you took care of me when I was hungry, and you gave me food, when I was thirsty, and you gave me drink, when I was sick, and you visited me', and so on. I call this the sacrament of the poor. A love that encourages, that edifies, that strengthens.” ​

Thank you, Pope Francis, for reminding us that without diakonia - service - the Church’s mission would be incomplete, because Christ Himself came not to be served, but to serve. Thank you for your immense service and for your life."

Maria Nyman, Secretary general, Caritas Europa

10/04/2025

👏At a time of great significance for the Catholic Church in Estonia with Tallinn elevated to a diocese and preparations underway for the beatification of the martyred Archbishop Eduard Profittlich, this week Caritas Europa had the pleasure of visiting Caritas Estonia.

Our President, Michael Landau, and Secretary General, Maria Nyman, were warmly welcomed by the team in Tallinn. They also had the opportunity to meet with Monsignor Philippe Jourdan, Bishop of Tallinn, as well as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

For nearly 30 years, Caritas Estonia has been accompanying those most in need, particularly mothers and young pregnant women facing exclusion and marginalisation.

We left with hearts full of gratitude and admiration. 🫶
Caritas Estonia is becoming an increasingly active and valued member of our network - ready to share, and ready to learn. We are proud to walk this journey together.🤝✨

08/04/2025

🔴 Stark disparities in claims across EU countries result in overcrowded reception conditions and rights violations. Together with 16 other NGOs, we have published a brief titled "Ensuring a fair and rights-based solidarity mechanism under the EU Pact on Migration and Asylum"

We call on EU countries to:

• Prioritise relocations to ease pressure on border countries.
• Use financial contributions to improve asylum systems.
• Ensure fair and transparent distribution of solidarity measures.

As EU countries start to implement the EU , it is essential they cooperate fully to prioritise relocations, enhance national systems for reception, asylum and early integration and provide the necessary support to both people seeking protection and countries under pressure.

Read the joint brief👉

Download the joint briefDrawing from field evidence and extensive work by 17 NGOs across Europe, Caritas Europa co-signs the joint brief entitled “Ensuring a fair and rights-based solidarity mechanism under the EU Pact on migration and asylum.” The document provides recommendations for EU member...

08/04/2025

Discrimination, poverty and exclusion continue to impact Roma communities across Europe.

On , we reaffirm our commitment to promoting dignity and inclusion for Roma communities. 🤝

During a recent study visit to Portugal, our Community of Practice on Roma Inclusion witnessed first-hand how Caritas initiatives are making a real difference. From after-school programmes for children, shelters for young mothers and essential support for isolated Roma families in Setúbal and Viseu, Caritas is addressing key challenges like housing instability, education, and employment.

🗨️ Read real-life experiences and testimonies in the report and learn more about how we can build a future of dignity for Roma communities. ⬇️
https://www.caritas.eu/building-a-future-of-dignity-for-roma-communities/
Caritas Portuguesa Caritas Vlaanderen vzw Katolikus Karitász - Caritas Hungarica Caritas Slovakia - Slovenská katolícka charita Projeto Caminhos E9G Caritas Srbije

08/04/2025

Earlier this week, our President, Michael Landau, had the pleasure of visiting the office of Suomen Caritas and meeting with Bishop Raimo Goyarrola.

The visit was a great opportunity to connect and to see how the team and volunteers are bringing our mission to life in Helsinki. 🫶

👏Thank you for your warm welcome and continued dedication!

03/04/2025

We are over halfway through Lent and so it can be a good time to think about our journey so far. President Michael Landau reminds us, in this reflection, that the Lenten path is ultimately one of hope.
As we celebrate the Jubilee year, may this Lenten period strengthen us in our "Pilgrimage of Hope" as we prepare for the joy of Easter.
🌿

AuthorMsgr. Michael LandauPresident of Caritas Europa This Lent, as we share in the grace of the Jubilee Year, the Holy Father Pope Francis proposed a few reflections on what it means to journey together in hope. I would like to highlight three points from this message: First, to journey. The Jubile...

31/03/2025

📨Our March newsletter is here!
In this issue, read about:
🔵Our recent Consultative Forum
🔵Security for refugees under the TPD
🔵Our concerns of the Global Gateways's impact on the Global South
🔵National Caritas Week with Caritas Portuguesa

Read it all here👉https://mailchi.mp/caritas/together-for-a-better-world

28/03/2025

🙏Our hearts go out to all those affected by the devastating earthquake that struck central , causing widespread destruction in a country already suffering from a severe humanitarian situation.

The full scale of the disaster is still unfolding across the region, including in Thailand. Reports confirm that already more than 140 lives have been lost, many people remain missing and critical infrastructures have been severely damaged. Communication challenges are making assessments even more difficult. The Caritas Asia regional office was also affected, but we are grateful that our colleagues are safe.

We stand in solidarity with Caritas Asia and its member organisations as they respond to this crisis despite facing huge challenges themselves.

Our thoughts and prayers are with all those impacted.

27/03/2025

: A seed of hope 🌱

This week, the PeaceMed project kicked off in Cyprus with participants from 18 countries bordering the Mediterranean Sea and beyond.

Led by Caritas Italiana and co-financed by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the project brings together Caritas and civil society groups to promote reconciliation and hashtag education across the Mediterranean and Middle East, with a focus on youth.

Caritas Europa had the pleasure of joining the group, as participants visited Caritas Cyprus-Κοινωνία projects and the UN mission, learning how civil society is bridging divides on the island by creating spaces for reconciliation. 🕊️

More👉https://www.caritas.it/peacemed-enhancing-peace-as-a-common-good/

Caritas MONA

26/03/2025

🔹 What’s next for Social Europe?

Yesterday, our Secretary General Maria Nyman joined Social Platform’s event at the European Parliament to discuss the future of Europe’s social agenda.

2025 will be a pivotal year with the Action Plan on the European Pillar of Social Rights on the horizon. The message is clear: social policies are the way forward for a more inclusive Europe.

Our priorities for a :

☑️ A stronger focus on reducing and preventing , with human dignity at the heart of policy
☑️ Ensure adequate minimum income systems as essential safety nets, protecting people from poverty
☑️ Respect for all relevant legal work, ensuring fairness and protection for workers across Europe
☑️ A revised European Social Charter, to better reflect today’s realities and guarantee stronger protections for vulnerable groups

Importantly, all of this must be done with meaningful participation from people with lived experience. Their voices are essential to addressing the root causes of poverty.

25/03/2025

📢 In an interview with José Pedro Frazão from Renascença during Caritas Portuguesa National Caritas Week, our Secretary General, Maria Nyman, highlighted that Europe is still far from meeting its poverty reduction goals.

She also stressed the severe impact of the U.S. decision to freeze humanitarian aid and reaffirmed Caritas' commitment to supporting , despite the huge risks for NGOs.

🔗 Read the full interview (in Portuguese):

Em entrevista à Renascença, à margem da sua participação na Semana da Cáritas, Maria Nyman lembra que a Europa está ainda longe das metas de combate à pobreza. A Cáritas vai continuar o seu apoio à Ucrânia, apesar do “risco enorme” para as O...

24/03/2025

Did you know that in the Caritas Europa office there is a room named the "Óscar Romero" room?
Today is the Feast Day of St Óscar Romero who was the Archbishop of San Salvador, in El Salvador. He stood up against the oppressive military regime he lived under, always putting the needs of those persecuted and disaffected first. His outspoken sermons made him unpopular with the ruling powers and on 24 March 1980, he was assassinated while saying Mass. His courageous example is as relevant as ever in a world where standing up for those in vulnerable and oppressive situations is sorely needed.
It is no mystery, then, why St Óscar Romero is one of the Patron Saints of Caritas. 🙌

20/03/2025

🙌 On 18 March, our Secretary General Maria Nyman had the pleasure of participating in "Portrait of Poverty in Portugal and Europe: From Reality to Hope," organised by Caritas Portuguesa as part of their National Caritas Week.

📢 The event highlighted the reality of and social exclusion in Portugal and across Europe:

✅ 21.6% of the EU population (95.3 million people) are still at risk of poverty or social exclusion.
✅ Poverty is a multidimensional issue – it cannot be tackled through labour market inclusion alone. Breaking the cycle requires access to housing, healthcare, education and social protection.

The announced EU Anti-Poverty Strategy presents a real opportunity to drive meaningful change, but only if it is adequately funded, effectively implemented and shaped by the voices of those with lived experience, in full respect of human dignity.

🙏 A huge thank you to Caritas Portuguesa for its ongoing commitment to tackling poverty and building a fairer society.

Together, we continue working for a future where no one is left behind.

20/03/2025

What does it mean to live out the principles of Catholic Social Teaching in our work at Caritas and in our daily lives?

Drawing on his many years of service, Dr Duncan MacLaren KCSG shares powerful stories of "Caritas in action" and reflects on its meaning for Caritas, the Church, and the world.

Read the full story➡️ https://www.caritas.eu/more-than-just-words/

15/03/2025

Thank you to CCEE - Consilium Conferentiarum Episcoporum Europae for the warm welcome and meaningful discussion yesterday.🤝

Our President, Michael Landau, and Secretary General, Maria Nyman, had the pleasure of meeting with Fr Antonio Ammirati, P. Charbel Bteich, and Mr David Topping to deepen our cooperation on key priorities.

It was a valuable opportunity to discuss the important relations between Bishops’ Conferences and Caritas organisations, support parish Caritas initiatives and advance joint efforts on integral ecology, such as promoting initiatives of the European Laudato si Alliance (ELSiA) and of the CCEE section on Safeguarding of Creation as well as continuing the work and exchanges on economic and social justice.

👏We look forward to continuing this vital collaboration - there is no Church without Caritas, and no Caritas without the Church!

08/03/2025

This , we celebrate the strength, voices and achievements of the women in our network! 💪

Women across Caritas Europa are leading change, driving impact and ensuring that equality is not just an idea but a reality. ✨

While progress has been made in Europe, barriers like the gender pay gap, limited career advancement and work-life balance challenges persist - especially for women from disadvantaged backgrounds.

At Caritas Europa, we are committed to amplifying women's voices, advocating for equality and ensuring their perspectives are heard at every level of decision-making.

We are proud of the strides we've made: 50% of our Executive Board is now female and women represent 28% of Directors across our network!

📄 Read thethe reflections of women across our network and be inspired by their messages: https://www.caritas.eu/women-of-caritas/



Trocaire Katolikus Karitász - Caritas Hungarica Suomen Caritas Caritas Malta Secours Catholique - Caritas France

06/03/2025

🗣️ "Debt is not just an economic issue—it’s a structural crisis trapping countries in a cycle where debt repayments outweigh essential public spending, "Polina Girshova, Eurodad.

The event “Rethinking Debt(s): a moral call for a just future”, co-organised by ELSiA and Caritas Europa, with participation of European Social Centre (JESC), Comece - the Catholic Church in the EU and CIDSE - together for global justice brought together faith-based and secular voices to call for debt justice.

With the world facing an unprecedented debt crisis 🌍, Europe must step up by supporting debt cancellation and fairer financial systems at the UN level.

This Jubilee Year of Hope, let’s push for real change.
Join the campaign and demand justice!

🙏 Thank you to all our speakers and participants for your powerful contributions.

👉 Sign the petition: https://turndebtintohope.caritas.org/
👉 Read the Press Release: https://elsialliance.org/press-release-rethinking-debt-a-moral-call-for-a-just-future/
📢 Spread the word!

Caritas Italiana Caritas Danmark Don Bosco International