When Cardinal Berhaneyesus Demerew Souraphiel was a young priest, he was imprisoned by Ethiopia's communist dictatorship. He recently welomed the man who jailed him as part on the Church's ongoing reconciliation efforts
Four years of war have left Syria in ruins, millions of people have fled and the violence has spread across the region. Caritas is providing aid to 1.2 million people.
The situation for Syrian refugees in Lebanon is tough, and the needs are enormous, but as the humanitarian crisis enters its fifth year Caritas staff are meeting this overwhelming situation with dedication and perseverance, and in many cases being the crucial difference between survival and destitution.
The Lebanese health system is largely private. For poor Syrian refugees in need of medical care, this is an enormous issue. Caritas is one of the only organisations in Lebanon supporting medical fees.
Around 1.5 million Ukrainians in the east of the country have been uprooted by war. People who had homes and jobs find themselves crammed into a small room or two and are largely dependent on charity. Caritas has so far helped people with essential aid.
Nadiya, 55, whose name means ‘hope’, is caught up in a conflict that she says she never saw coming. She doesn’t know whether she’ll ever see her home in again.
Volunteer Sr Bridget Tighe is working with Caritas in Gaza. Shocked by the poverty and despair of the people she has met, also she has been touched by the work of her colleagues and found strength in her faith.
A winter storm has blanketed much of the Middle East in snow, leaving refugees huddling for warmth in their makeshift tents. Caritas has run winterization programmes, providing fuel, warm clothes and bedding and making tents and accommodation more resistant to cold conditions.
In Pakistan, Caritas staff members held a prayer service for the victims of this week’s school tragedy.