Francesca Frezza, Author at Caritas

Caritas Internationalis secretary general visits the Holy Land

24/11/2023 Conflicts and Disasters, Jerusalem, Middle East & North Africa by Francesca Frezza

Following his recent visit to the Holy Land to support local Caritas Jerusalem staff and volunteers, Alistair Dutton, Secretary General of Caritas Internationalis said, “It was intense and emotional. Caritas staff described their pain, frustration and powerlessness that they are not able to reach their colleagues or help the communities in Gaza. They have set ...

Caritas Internationalis urges cease fire in the Holy Land: “Now is the time for peace”

10/11/2023 Advocacy, Conflicts and Disasters, Jerusalem, Middle East & North Africa by Francesca Frezza

A month after Hamas’ attack on Israel, the latter’s reaction, and the war that has ensued since, Caritas Internationalis urges both parties to cease fire, protect people, guarantee humanitarian access, abide by international law, and release all the hostages. “Through our common humanity, all human life is equally sacred, and none can be written off ...

World Humanitarian Day: Caritas Internationalis celebrates all humanitarian workers who devote their lives to the most vulnerable

19/08/2023 Press Release, world Humanitarian Day by Francesca Frezza

On World Humanitarian Day, Caritas Internationalis remembers and honours all its staff and volunteers who devote their lives to the service of others, even endangering their own safety. “Today, our world faces three main threats: growing inequality, multiplying conflicts and the climate emergency. Humanitarian workers increasingly face the challenge of responding to complex emergencies ...

Care amidst the war

19/08/2023 Crisis in Ukraine, world Humanitarian Day by Francesca Frezza

Tiredness, exhaustion and the constant disruption of life at the sound of air-raid alarms. This is one of the images I carry back from my trip to Ukraine from 25 to 28 July. I intentionally made the first visit as Secretary General of Caritas Internationalis to this war-torn country to express the Confederation’s closeness, solidarity ...

Turkish Earthquake: Resilience and Care, Stories of Humanitarian Workers

17/08/2023 Uncategorised, world Humanitarian Day by Francesca Frezza

“It marked my initial experience with a post-earthquake scenario: observing numerous structures in ruins or precarious states was truly astonishing. However, what impressed me the most was listening to the stories I gathered, because they revealed the deep emotional scars such an experience could leave. Among the individuals I interviewed, one poignant comparison stood out ...

Caritas Somalia Mindful Approach, Investing in People

14/08/2023 Somalia, Uncategorised, world Humanitarian Day by Francesca Frezza

“Every day, I walk through the doors of my office nestled within the heart of the Bishopric of Djibouti, the home of Caritas Somalia’s President and Bishop of Djibouti, Msgr. Giorgio Bertin. Though my work keeps me away from the field, it does not hinder my unwavering connection with the realities of Somalia. Maintaining steadfast ...

Celebrating Humanitarian Day with Caritas Bangladesh’s Care Initiatives

11/08/2023 world Humanitarian Day by Francesca Frezza

Every day at Caritas is an unfolding story of new connections and unwavering commitment to make a profound impact on the lives of the most vulnerable. One particular morning, at approximately 6:30 am, I encountered a woman within the confines of the world’s largest refugee camp. The 2017 Rohingya influx had torn her family apart, ...

Caritas Lebanon Inspiring Care – World Humanitarian Day 2023

11/08/2023 world Humanitarian Day by Francesca Frezza

“Basically I lived at the Caritas center, where my days began early alongside fellow volunteers. Almost every day, I dedicated around 16 hours to engaging in a variety of Caritas activities. Some involved office work, where we planned and analyzed different tasks, while most of the time is spent in the field. Our daily missions ...

Sierra Leone: promoting women’s leadership through radio

13/02/2023 Africa, Development, Sierra Leone by Francesca Frezza

In some areas of the world, radios play an essential role in promoting development and raising awareness on a wide range of issues, from health to human rights. The radio waves can also be a powerful tool for promoting women’s leadership, as demonstrated by the Radio Nyapui (meaning ‘woman’ in the local idiom) station in ...

Caritas Confederation at COP27 to bring the voice of vulnerable communities

6/11/2022 Advocacy, Agriculture, Climate Change, Disaster Preparedness, Food Crisis by Francesca Frezza

A large delegation of Caritas Internationalis with regional and national Caritas representatives will attend the 2022 United Nations Climate Change Conference, known as COP 27, being held in Sharm-el Sheikh, Egypt, from 7 to 18 November. “It will be an opportunity to advocate for climate justice and bring to the world’s attention the conditions ...