GLOBAL EMERGENCY UPDATE JULY 2025
A Lifeline in Times of Need: Our Caritas Partners

"The global network of Catholic humanitarian and development organizations—Caritas Internationalis—is the second largest humanitarian confederation in the world." 

This is the strength of the global Caritas network: Through deep connections to local dioceses and parishes, we can mobilize quickly and respond together in emergencies. When crisis strikes—be it a cyclone in the Philippines, a hunger crisis in Sudan, chronic drought in Guatemala, or internal displacement in Syria—CRS is able to respond immediately through trusted local Church partners who, like CRS in many countries, are already present and already serving. And, because local Caritas agencies have deep relationships within their communities, they can reach places others cannot—no matter how urban or remote—not only because of established trust, but because they are already there.  

Courtesy of Marijn Fidder/Caritas International 

CRS’ Caritas partners are deeply embedded in the fabric of these communities, and pillars of stability and support, especially in times of crisis or uncertainty. They are essential to long-term recovery, helping lift communities and countries out of poverty through sustainable solutions. The Church’s historical and cultural significance, combined with its unwavering moral authority, amplifies its influence—ensuring that its voice and actions resonate far beyond its immediate institutions.  

In recent months, as humanitarian needs have surged and traditional funding sources have become more constrained, this global Catholic network has proven more vital than ever. CRS and our Caritas partners are not only first responders—we are with people through their full recovery. 

And because Caritas is part of the universal Church, our mission is not bound by borders. It is rooted in faith, sustained by hope and animated by love. This is what makes CRS different. This is what makes our work enduring. 

Rising to the Challenge

Since our founding in 1943, CRS has responded—alongside our Caritas partners—to some of the most catastrophic natural disasters in recent memory: Hurricanes Eta and Iota in Central America in 2022, Cyclones Idai and Kenneth in Mozambique in 2019, the Nepal earthquake in 2015, Super Typhoon Haiyan in the Philippines in 2013, the Haiti earthquake in 2010, the Indian Ocean Tsunami in 2004, Hurricane Mitch in Honduras in 1998, and the 1980s Ethiopia famine, among many other crises, often far from the global spotlight.

Together, we deliver lifesaving support: food, nutrition, shelter, water, sanitation, livelihood assistance, and emotional and social support. With our partners, CRS takes a comprehensive approach—meeting urgent needs while laying the groundwork for long-term recovery. Our goal is to help people survive with dignity, rebuild their homes and lives, and strengthen their resilience for the future.

Partner Capacity Strengthening

CRS provides close, ongoing support to our Caritas partners—among many others— through regular collaboration, shared learning, and joint problem-solving. CRS has a dedicated team of emergency response specialists who provide technical support to Caritas members in times of emergencies and through recovery. This global CRS team is made up of seasoned professionals in areas such as food security and distributions, safe shelter, and water, sanitation and hygiene. Their expertise also spans nutrition, logistics, and supply chain and operations, as well as physical and mental health, protection of vulnerable people, agriculture and livelihoods, and market-based approaches.

Accountability  

CRS ensures that help reaches those who need it most by upholding the highest standards of accountability. Our financial systems are thoroughly tested and fully transparent. We use technology to deliver responses that are efficient and optimized. Our staff and Caritas partners are trained in risk management, compliance, and monitoring and evaluation—so that every action is grounded in integrity and trust.  

The Needs Are More Critical Than Ever

Around the world, local Church institutions like Caritas are feeling the ripple effects of cuts to U.S. international assistance—especially through reduced funding to CRS. As many of the projects we worked on together are terminated by U.S. government cuts, we are no longer able to provide the same level of resources to our Caritas partners. The result is stark: hundreds of thousands of vulnerable people are losing access to critical aid.  

While some international organizations may be able to scale back and continue minimal operations, many local Caritas agencies lack the financial reserves to do so. Without sustained support, they face painful decisions—cutting staff and suspending programs in communities that depend on them. 

Unwavering Hope 

At a time of historic transition for the Catholic Church—with new leadership bringing renewed vision and moral clarity—the mission remains unchanged: to accompany the world’s most vulnerable people with compassion, dignity and resolve. Amid deepening humanitarian needs and widening funding gaps, CRS’ Caritas partners stand as a steadfast force for good—anchored in presence, propelled by partnership and guided by a commitment to serve.  

With the local Church, and through its collective global footprint, CRS continues to answer the call—even in the hardest-to-reach areas. As the world faces compounding crises, the unwavering witness of the Church—to be there, to stay and to serve—offers hope, stability and a lifeline to millions. 

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