The leader of one of the world’s largest humanitarian networks has concluded a visit to Australia, highlighting the Church’s unique capacity to reach communities from local parishes to the highest levels of global decision-making. Source: Caritas Australia.
Alistair Dutton, Secretary General of Caritas Internationalis, visited Canberra and Sydney last week, meeting with parliamentarians, senior government advisers, Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade officials, Church leaders and Caritas Australia staff.
The visit focused on the changing global aid landscape and the role trusted local institutions can play as humanitarian needs grow and international cooperation comes under increasing pressure.
During his Canberra visit, Mr Dutton joined Caritas Australia chief executive Kirsten Sayers in meetings with MPs, ministerial advisers and senior Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade representatives.
Discussions focused on pressures facing the global humanitarian system, Australia’s engagement in the Asia-Pacific, and the contribution of faith-based networks to humanitarian response, development and social cohesion.
Mr Dutton also joined members of the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference Secretariat and senior Caritas Australia leaders to discuss the shared mission of the Church and Caritas.
Mr Dutton said that as multilateral institutions and international aid budgets came under pressure, the Church’s ability to convene people across political, cultural and geographic divides was increasingly important.
“At a time when many international institutions are under strain, the Catholic Church continues to touch every level of community life around the world,” Mr Dutton said.
“Under the moral leadership of Pope Leo XIV, the Church is emphasising its responsibility to uphold human dignity, stand alongside people experiencing poverty and crisis, and help rebuild cooperation in an increasingly divided world.”
While in Sydney, Mr Dutton met with Parramatta Bishop Vincent Long Van OFM Conv. He also joined clergy from Our Lady of Lebanon Co-Cathedral for lunch before meeting Maronite Bishop Antoine-Charbel Tarabay.
He also met with Caritas Australia staff, reflecting on the organisation’s place within the global Caritas family and the importance of ensuring that humanitarian and development work is shaped and led by the people closest to the challenges.
Following his Australian visit, Mr Dutton travelled to Wellington for the Caritas Oceania Forum, held under the theme “Moana of Hope: Navigating Together”.
The gathering brings together more than 25 delegates from across Oceania to reflect on shared regional challenges, including climate change, poverty and reductions in overseas aid.
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Global Caritas leader highlights the enduring power of local Church networks during Australian visit (Caritas Australia)
