General Assembly of Caritas Internationalis enables to reflect its identity: Japanese prelate

As the 22nd General Assembly of Caritas Internationalis ended on May 16, a Japanese bishop-delegate said it was an occasion to reflect "the identity of Caritas."

Caritas Internationalis, the charitable organization of the Catholic Church, held the conference in Rome from May 11 to 16. 

"The International Caritas Association has successfully closed. I think it's time for each one to re-recognize the importance of labor based on love, which is the identity of Caritas," said Devine Word Bishop Paul Daisuke Narui, SVD of Niigata, a member of Caritas Japan.

"Please continue to pray that the Caritas of the world may continue to practice God's love, especially among those facing difficulties," he said in a social media post.

"The General Assembly of Caritas Internationalis is adjourned. I believe it has been a time of renewing our understanding of the Caritas identity, which is love and partnership," said Bishop Narui. "Please join our prayer that Caritas may continue witnessing the love of God, especially with the people in difficulty."

Caritas Internationalis is an international NGO (NGO in category 1, General Consultative Status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council) with 165 member nations. Pope Pius XII established it as a social assistance and relief group confederation in 1950.

The confederation comprises Catholic development, social service, and relief organizations operating internationally in more than 200 countries and territories.

During the general assembly, Archbishop Tarcisius Isao Kikuchi of Tokyo was elected president of Caritas Internationalis on May 13. It also elected other officials of the confederation. – Santosh Digal