Pope’s visit will strengthen Caritas Belgium’s commitment to solidarity

By Bezawit Bogale

Pope Francis is making his apostolic trip to Belgium from September 26 to 29, meeting various actors in Belgian society.

Speaking to Joseph Tulloch of Vatican News in Brussels, Gilles Cnockaert, head of communications and mobilization at Caritas Belgium, stressed that the Church places crisis response and poverty reduction at the heart of its mission. service to the community.

The organization provides durable solutions to people affected by crises and humanitarian emergencies, with a particular focus on migrants, supporting them in their movement through their integration into their host countries.

Vulnerable groups, including women and children, are also the focus of their programs, which are implemented in collaboration with the global Caritas network.

Mr. Cnockaert stressed that in response to the escalation of violence, particularly in the Middle East, Caritas Belgium has prioritized responding to urgent humanitarian needs in the region.

The Belgian “tradition of hospitality” continues

Concerning the main theme of the Pope’s visit to Belgium, which concerns migration, Mr. Cnockaert underlined the attachment of Caritas Belgium to the “tradition of hospitality”, despite the country’s general position aimed at limiting reception of migrants.

Mr Cnockaert congratulated Belgian citizens who continue to welcome migrants, stressing that Caritas does not support the country’s restrictive approach.

He noted that more than 4,000 people are currently seeking international protection and highlighted the ongoing efforts of parishes and welcoming groups, who are actively mobilizing resources and operating community programs to support migrants.

Referring to the Pope’s visit, he added: “It is also a moment of hope, because this visit coincides with International Migrants Day.”

Caritas Belgium’s expectations regarding the papal visit

Mr Cnockaert said the papal visit brings hope to the Church in Belgium, which is currently facing significant challenges due to widely publicized sexual abuse scandals.

“We expect concrete attention for the victims” in the face of these problems, he stressed.

According to Mr. Cnockaert, ten residents of Caritas reception centers will attend mass at Heysel on Sunday in the company of the Holy Father.

He also mentioned that “souvenirs made by the children of these reception centers will be given to Pope Francis.”

Concerning the mission of the Catholic Church in promoting solidarity and human dignity, Mr. Cnockaert emphasizes that Caritas Belgium testifies to the need to live these values ​​in practice while questioning the need for international intervention .

He concluded by affirming that with the support of people of good will, the mission of the Church will persist in advancing the crucial agenda of social and environmental justice.