Caritas Internationalis is preparing to elect a new board of directors. The previous leadership was dismissed by Pope Francis after he found that some of its workers were suffering from burnout. Now, delegates from 160 countries have gathered in Rome to hear how the organization has resolved its crises and will elect a new Secretary General.
CARD. MICHAEL CZERNY
Prefect, Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development
May all the paths you follow promote reconciliation, leaving behind past divisions and tensions that rob you of the joy of the Gospel, that rob you of Evangelii Gaudium. May you, together, lay out the best itineraries, in order to continue serving as the loving face and arm of the Church.
Since November, Caritas Internationalis has had a temporary government. It has focused on improving the work environment, updating its statutes and preparing for this General Assembly.
MARÍA AMPARO ALONSO
Co-administrator, Caritas Internationalis
The changes in the statutes present new rules to ensure that as an organization we, our governing bodies and the tasks that are assigned to them work better...On the other hand, we have restructured the office. We have worked on the basis of ongoing dialogue, listening and understanding with all the staff.
The organization says it has done its homework and learned a lot from their past. And members are hopeful for 'a bright future.'
PIER FRANCESCO PINELLI
Temporary Administrator, Caritas Internationalis
I hope it will be a time of positive, peaceful, open discussion where, being mindful of the lessons we've learned even in the last four years...we will eave behind the emotions of focusing on the things we did poorly and the things we did well.
On Monday, May 15, Caritas Internationalis will elect its new Secretary General with a commitment to continue working for the most vulnerable people.
RM
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