As we move into a new chapter of the life of our Catholic community, it is good to pause and give thanks for the wonderful gift that was the papacy of Pope Francis. Among his most notable teachings is Laudato Si, the tenth anniversary of which we mark this year.

Caritas Australia’s Turn Debt Into Hope campaign highlights the devastating effects on development that the global debt crisis has on countries of the Global South.  

As climate change intensifies across Indonesia’s eastern provinces, farmers in Nusa Tenggara Timur are among the hardest hit.

On April 25, 2015, a massive 7.8 magnitude earthquake shook Nepal to its core, leaving devastation in its wake. Thousands of lives were lost, homes and historic buildings crumbled, and millions of people were suddenly without shelter. 

We give thanks for Pope Francis’ extraordinary legacy, and we commit to carrying his vision forward in our work and our lives.

Every country partner and most program participants I have visited in the past few years have told me about the devastating impacts of record droughts and heatwaves, more severe and extreme cyclones, unprecedented flooding, and rising sea levels. Some of our participants might not be familiar with the term “climate change,” but they know what is in front of them.

It has now been 2 years since the start of the brutal conflict in Sudan. More than 30 million people in Sudan now require humanitarian assistance. Over half are children. The most vulnerable people are being impacted the most, including women, the elderly and people living with disabilities.  

On March 28, 2025, a devastating 7.7 magnitude earthquake struck Myanmar. Homes have been reduced to rubble, essential infrastructure has collapsed, and entire communities are struggling to access clean water, food, and medical care.

Caritas Australia’s Turn Debt Into Hope campaign addresses the crisis of unjust debt, advocating for relief and fair financial systems. Inspired by the Year of Jubilee, the campaign urges world leaders to prioritize human dignity over profits.

The journey to clean water has been a long struggle for many communities in the Malaita province in the Solomon Islands.

Caritas Australia celebrates the transformational power of women through Ada, Rosalie and Laxmi.

Leaving a bequest to Caritas Australia is a meaningful way to continue your impact on the world. Even leaving just 1% of your estate can create lasting change for vulnerable communities across the globe.

As the war in Ukraine stretches into its fourth year, millions of Ukrainians continue to face displacement, loss, and uncertainty. With the largest conflict in Europe since World War II still ongoing, nearly a third of Ukraine’s population—12.7 million people—require humanitarian aid.

Sudan is enduring one of the worst hunger and displacement crises the world has ever witnessed. The magnitude of suffering since the brutal civil war erupted in April 2023 is difficult to put into words, yet it is crucial that the world understands the plight of millions who are enduring unimaginable hardship. 

A ceasefire deal has been announced. The ceasefire will commence on January 19, 2025 and will last for an initial period of 42 days. During this time, hostages will be returned and a surge of humanitarian aid will be allowed into the Gaza strip. 

Sally Thomas, Humanitarian Manager at Caritas Australia, writes in The West Australia.