President of Caritas Ukraine elected Deputy President of Caritas Europe
On Thursday, May 12, 2022, the annual Regional Conference of the Caritas Europe network ended in Athens. Its participants – 124 delegates from 39 countries-elected a new Executive Committee and confirmed Fr Michael Landau, head of Caritas Austria, for a second term as president of this network. This is reported by Vatican Radio.
The regional conference organized by Caritas of Greece was held in the context of the ongoing war in Ukraine and the humanitarian problems it causes. A solidarity and support session was organized, as well as a minute of prayer for peace.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres sent a video message to the conference participants, in which he pointed out the importance of the role of Caritas Europe in overcoming the devastating consequences of numerous crises, such as climate change, the COVID-19 pandemic, and the war in Ukraine. "Your efforts for peace and justice and your contribution to the fight against poverty and inequality are more important than ever before," he stressed.
The key words during the conference sessions were "Peace”, “Solidarity” and "Mission". During the thematic sessions, delegates discussed priorities in their work in the future and voted for the main recommendations, which include attracting people receiving assistance from Caritas to local advisory committees; strengthening Caritas participation in the Church's mission; and promoting the involvement of young people and women in the organization's structures at all levels, including management. These recommendations will be included in the implementation of the strategic guidelines for 2021-2028.
