Caritas Australia has presented a collection of nearly 900 messages of prayer, solidarity and hope from the Australian Catholic community to the Apostolic Nuncio to Australia, Archbishop Charles Balvo.
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 chief executive Kirsten Sayers presented the bound collection to the Nuncio last week, thanking him for receiving the messages on behalf of Pope Leo XIV.
“These heartfelt messages reflect the compassion, faith and moral courage of Catholics across Australia,” Ms Sayers said.
“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 wrote, “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.”
Caritas Australia continues to work with local Church partners around the world to support communities facing conflict, hunger and displacement.
The organisation thanked all who participated in this initiative and invited the Catholic community to continue praying for peace and acting in solidarity.
Donations: Caritas Australia’s Emergency Relief appeal.
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Caritas Australia presents prayers of solidarity to Australia’s Papal Nuncio (Caritas Australia)
