The Caritas Internationalis Strategic Framework (2007–2011) approved by the 18th General Assembly of 2007 calls for Caritas Internationalis “to consistently analyse and adapt its internal governance and operational structures and processes in order to respond more dynamically to contemporary needs for a network of its size…” (Strategic Priority IV).

In response to this call, a review of the governance and work structures of CI has been undertaken over the past four years, spearheaded by the Legal Affairs Commission and the Bureau Working Party on Review of Governance, mandated by the Executive Committee.

Amendments to the CI Statutes would have been required even without the mandate of the General Assembly. Caritas Internationalis was granted public canonical legal status by Pope John Paul II in September 2004. This has juridical consequences that make changes to the CI Statutes necessary. Furthermore, the CI Statutes need to take into account the relevant canons of the Code of Canon Law of 1983, to which they have not yet been adjusted. A final draft of the revised CI Statutes was presented to the Holy See in May 2010. A review of the Internal Rules was completed with a consultation process involving all CI Member Organisations and a final draft was presented to the Executive Committee in November 2010.