Caritas Australia has presented a collection of nearly 900 messages of prayer, solidarity and hope from the Australian Catholic community to His Excellency Archbishop Charles Daniel Balvo, Apostolic Nuncio to Australia. 

The messages were written by individuals, families, students, and communities across the country. They express deep concern for displaced people and those affected by conflict, including in Gaza, Ukraine, the Pacific, and other regions experiencing humanitarian crises. 

Caritas Australia CEO Kirsten Sayers presented the bound collection to the Nuncio last week, thanking him for receiving the messages on behalf of His Holiness Pope Leo XIV. 

“These heartfelt messages reflect the compassion, faith and moral courage of Catholics across Australia,” said Kirsten Sayers. “They are prayers for peace, dignity and justice, written by people who refuse to look away from suffering. We are honoured to entrust them to Archbishop Balvo, whose service to the Church in Australia is deeply valued.” 

The initiative was inspired by Pope Leo XIV’s call to compassion, justice and love for the poor, with messages presented to the Apostolic Nuncio as the representative of His Holiness in Australia. 

Many respondents, including young people and school groups, reflected on their responsibility to “welcome the stranger” and to uphold Christ’s message of compassion. 

One supporter wrote, “Sending love to each person who has lost (their) home and loved ones and a sense of safety,” offering a reminder of the human cost behind every crisis.  

Another shared, “I stand with Pope Leo in solidarity with displaced people,” reflecting the strong alignment many feel with the Church’s call for dignity, justice and peace. Others spoke to universal Christian hope, including one who wrote, “Please give sanctuary and hope to all those who are displaced by war and famine. Please feed the hungry and give blessings to all.” 

Together, these voices form a powerful testament to the compassion of the Australian Catholic community. 

Caritas Australia continues to work with local Church partners around the world to support communities facing conflict, hunger and displacement. The organisation thanks all Australians who participated in this initiative and invites the Catholic community to continue praying for peace and acting in solidarity. 

To support those in crisis you can donate to Caritas Australia’s Emergency Relief appeal at www.caritas.org.au/emergency or call 1800 024 413 toll free.  

Media contact: Tara Harvey 0484 002 021 tara.harvey@caritas.org.au or caritasmedia@caritas.org.au