Caritas Internationalis

Caritas Internationalis is a Catholic humanitarian organization that functions as the global confederation of national Caritas member organisations. It coordinates relief and development activities inspired by Catholic social teaching, aiming to assist people affected by poverty, conflict, and disaster. The organisation delivers emergency aid, supports long‑term development projects, and advocates for justice and peace on behalf of vulnerable populations. Its work is guided by the principles of solidarity, subsidiarity, and respect for human dignity.

Caritas Internationalis maintains a presence in many countries through its network of member organisations, which implement programmes locally while adhering to the confederation’s shared standards and values. The confederation facilitates cooperation among its members, enabling the sharing of expertise, resources, and best practices across borders. This structure allows Caritas Internationalis to respond quickly to crises and to sustain development initiatives in diverse cultural and geographic contexts.

A distinguishing attribute of Caritas Internationalis is its explicit linkage to the Catholic Church, which shapes its mission and ethical framework. The organisation is recognised for its role in coordinating international Catholic relief efforts, often working alongside other humanitarian actors while preserving its distinct identity. In March 2022, Caritas Internationalis experienced a disruptive cyber incident during an online press conference focused on Ukraine, where attackers used audio disturbances and chat flooding to interrupt the event, highlighting the growing cyber threats faced by humanitarian organisations.