Caritas Internationalis President, Cardinal Oscar Rodriguez Maradiaga, has called for greater global leadership to ensure that people honour their moral responsibility to help the poor in these difficult economic times.

Speaking at the closure of Caritas Italiana’s national convention, the Cardinal highlighted the need to take action on the economic crisis, poverty and climate change.

“In a world which is deeply divided between rich and poor, north and south, us and them, we need now more than ever common values and a global ethic which unites us as one true human community,” said the Cardinal.

He said that humanitarian aid must be used wisely, but warned that Africa would be hit hardest by the global recession. He also emphasised that Africa needed a “green revolution” to boost food security

“Development aid must have precise objectives which lead to long-term economic growth, governability and sustainable human development, as well as offering a quick and effective response to natural disasters and conflict,” he said.

Besides the economic crisis, representatives from Italian diocesan Caritas also discussed migration and Christian identity with experts and journalists at the convention in Turin this week.

They looked at how social, migration and development policies could be adapted during the current economic crisis. Participants also discussed how to stimulate church communities and civil society in this time of crisis.

“Immigration, security, the economic crisis and the ups and downs of globalisation all put the Church at the forefront of public attention on a frequent basis,” said Cardinal Severino Poletto, Archbishop of Turin, in his opening comments.

Bishop Giuseppe Merisi, President of Caritas Italiana, looked at ways in which diocesan Caritas could improve their pastoral activities and train people to face the challenges ahead.

For more information, please contact Michelle Hough on 0039 334 359 0752 or hough@caritas.va