Christians active in international development are set apart from other humanitarian actors by their “genuine research of the good of the other and of the common good,” said the Vatican foreign minister.
English Archbishop Paul R. Gallagher, Vatican foreign minister, said that Christians’ willingness to carry out missions “outside their own interests or the ones of a region, of a government and even of their own organization’s visibility and influence” embodies the “Catholic identity” and “authentic effectiveness of charity.”
The diplomat spoke on 12th May at the opening of Caritas Internationalis’ general assembly, which gathered some 400 delegates representing national and local Catholic charities from around the world in Rome between 11th -16th May.
“In the face of a world torn apart by individualism, what will make your service effective is the witness of a family and of being the protagonists and builders of a community that transcends every border and culture,” Archbishop Gallagher told them.
“The humanitarian activity that has always characterised Caritas Internationalis is nothing other than an expression of the charity of Christ.”
“In this theological inspiration, it must find its strength and identity, which distinguish it from other well-deserving non-profit or altruistic organisations.”
Picture: Archbishop Paul R. Gallagher, Vatican foreign minister, addresses delegates at Caritas Internationalis’ general assembly in Rome on 12th May 2023. (CNS photo/Justin McLellan)