May 27, 2011. (Romereports.com) To officially close Caritas Internationalis 19th general assembly, the pope met with hundreds of its members at the Vatican. He congratulated this year's elected candidates like incumbent president, Cardinal Oscar Rodríguez Maradiaga. Above all, the pope reinforced the group's mission.
Benedict XVI
“With the limits of the proper ends assigned to it, Caritas Internationalis, thus carries out in the name of the Church a specific task for the common good.”
With a presence in at least 165 countries, Caritas gives assistance to the most needy. This year the organization celebrated its 60th anniversary.
Despite some controversy, the pope made it clear, that all of Caritas charity work must be consistent with the Gospel. Therefore, the Vatican has the right to oversee all of Caritas activities.
Benedict XVI “Being in the heart of the Church, being able in a certain way to speak and act in her name for the common good, entails particular responsabilities in terms of Christian life, both personal and in the community.”
The organization was formed after World War II, when there was wide spread devastation. Pope Pius XII, decided to help those in need through charity work.
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