Caritas Malawi calls for stronger solidarity

Caritas Malawi called for increased solidarity, coordination, and integrity during a forum in Lilongwe on September 3. The meeting brought together representatives from Catholic humanitarian partners and all eight diocesan Caritas offices in Malawi to address recurring natural disasters, food insecurity, and climate change.

Bishop Vincent Frederick Mwakhwawa, the president of the Catholic Secretariat, spoke on behalf of Bishop Alfred Mateyu Chaima, the president of Caritas Malawi. Bishop Mwakhwawa stated the gathering allowed participants to assess lessons learned from humanitarian responses to droughts, floods, and Cyclone Freddy. He noted that Caritas Malawi, also known as the Catholic Development Commission in Malawi (CADECOM), serves as part of the Church's mission to protect human dignity through practical service.

Drawing on Pope Leo XIV’s apostolic exhortation Dilexi te regarding love for the poor, Bishop Mwakhwawa urged the Church to pay more attention to people facing multiple vulnerabilities, specifically women. He said the Church must make the Gospel visible through compassionate presence and service.