Lightnews — Scholar-powered news

CAFOD @cafod.bsky.social · 1h

Our local partners have been working in Gaza throughout the crisis and continue to do so.

Within the last few days, our Church partner Caritas Jerusalem has delivered 10,000 cans of baby formula to families with newborns and young children.

https://bit.ly/3IWUldJ

Caritas Jerusalem staff members moving supplies.

A group of children sat near to a Carita Jerusalem staff member.

Staff members loading a van with supplies.

One Caritas Jerusalem staff member speaks to a woman while another looks at paperwork.

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CAFOD @cafod.bsky.social · 17h

The new global debt crisis has poor and climate-vulnerable countries spending more to repay debts than they receive in climate finance.

Learn more about new research findings. ⤵️

https://bit.ly/47nmi7C

#CancelDebtChooseHope

Poor nations pay more on debt interest than they get for climate aid

The world’s least developed countries paid US $37 billion (£28bn) to service their debts in 2023, but received only $32 billion (£24bn) in climate finance

www.independent.co.uk

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Reposted by CAFOD

European Network on Debt and Development - Eurodad @eurodadnews.bsky.social · 1d

South Africa’s #G20 presidency has the potential to catalyse meaningful global #debt reform, but so far nothing tangible has been achieved.
1️⃣6️⃣5️⃣ organisations have called on @cyrilramaphosabsky.bsky.social to take action on the #debtcrisis.
Read the call here➡️ www.eurodad.org/letter_to_sa...

While this year's G20 has been put forward as an 'African G20', there is no evidence that any progress has been made on the debt crisis facing Africa and many other countries worldwide.

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CAFOD @cafod.bsky.social · 1d

During #Jubilee2025, we're campaigning on debt justice as repayments have led to cuts in health and education in multiple countries.

More about new research on the IMF's role and the leading economists calling for action. ⤵️

https://bit.ly/42DzHpH

#CancelDebtChooseHope

Urgent calls for debt relief as study shows health and education cuts in developing world

Influential economists want replenishment of funds and new ways to define countries in need before this week’s IMF and World Bank meetings

www.theguardian.com

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CAFOD @cafod.bsky.social · 1d

#COP30 will begin on 10 November in Brazil.

We caught up Bareesh Chowdhury from our Bangladesh partner BELA who told us how climate change affects communities he works with, his experiences of past COPs and his objectives for these milestone talks.

https://bit.ly/46Rig7D

COP30 in a Jubilee year: our partner's voice

cafod.org.uk

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CAFOD @cafod.bsky.social · 2d

Today's the International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction and climate disasters are a serious threat in Afghanistan.

We worked with partners to build structures like this irrigation canal that can divert flood water, while also keeping trees alive and improving air quality.

Photos showing an irrigation canal in Afghanistan.

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CAFOD @cafod.bsky.social · 3d

In the newly-published Dilexi te, Pope Leo XIV reminds us that love and care for our neighbour and those who are poor and marginalised is a fundamental part of our faith and the Church's social teaching.

The key messages in his first Apostolic Exhortation.

https://bit.ly/3KJRjdc

A photo of Pope Leo XIV with a quote from Dilexi te.

"I have chosen to recall the age-old history of the Church’s care for the poor and with the poor in order to make clear that it has always been a central part of her life. Indeed, caring for the poor is part of the Church’s great Tradition, a beacon as it were of evangelical light to illumine the hearts and guide the decisions of Christians in every age."

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CAFOD @cafod.bsky.social · 4d

In Lima, Peru, partner Huasi Warmi works with vulnerable girls and young women in urban areas to learn about rights and wellbeing through art, reading, and life planning.

Additionally, the girls are raising their voices against violence.

#InternationalDayOfTheGirlChild

A photo showing a girl painting a mural on a wall.

Two girls painting a mural on a wall featuring a large book.

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CAFOD @cafod.bsky.social · 4d

Dilexi te was released yesterday and it's a powerful critique of the economic systems that cause poverty.

Started by Pope Francis, Pope Leo finished it and describes the importance of putting the needs of the marginalised first. Find out more. ⤵️

https://bit.ly/3KJRjdc

A photo of Pope Leo with text saying "Dilexi Te has been published and it's Pope Leo's first papal document."

A photo of Pope Leo sat down with a quote from Dilexi te:

“I am convinced that the preferential choice for the poor is a source of extraordinary
renewal both for the Church and for society, if we can only set ourselves free of our self-
centeredness and open our ears to their cry.”

It focuses on love for the poor and how it’s integral to faith.

The love of Christ can be seen in:
-love for the poor,
- Opposing slavery,
- Defending women who experience exclusion and violence
- Charitable giving and working for equality

- Read the FAQs on our website
- Pray with us
- Donate to our work

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CAFOD @cafod.bsky.social · 4d

The first phase of the Gaza ceasefire has come into effect.

Learn more about what has been agreed, what we're doing and how our local partners have reacted. ⤵️

https://cafod.org.uk/news/emergencies-news/gaza-ceasefire

Gaza ceasefire: what you need to know

cafod.org.uk

CAFOD @cafod.bsky.social · 5d

Today is #WorldMentalHealthDay and providing mental health support in Ukraine is an important priority. 88% of households have at least one family member with mental health needs. Work includes:

- Counselling
- Stress management
- Mobile psychologists
- Children’s Activities

A photo of a woman holding up a craft rabbit that she made at workshop.

A woman and child doing art activities at a workshop.

A woman drawing on large pieces of paper.

A woman painting on a large piece of paper at a workshop.

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CAFOD @cafod.bsky.social · 5d

Bishop Richard Moth reacted to Pope Leo XIV's Dilexi te which was released today and identified the importance of Catholic social teaching underpinning its messaging about the preferential option for the poor.

Read more. ⤵️

https://www.cbcew.org.uk/bishop-richard-moth-welcomes-dilexi-te/

A photo and quote from Bishop Richard Moth:

I echo Pope Leo when he writes: "Charity has the power to change reality; it is a genuine force for change in history.’ Catholic charities, such as CAFOD and those under the umbrella of the Caritas Social Action Network in England and Wales, have long exercised a preferential option for the poor.

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CAFOD @cafod.bsky.social · 5d

Pope Leo's first papal document, Dilexi te is out now. 📖

What does it say?
What's an Apostolic Exhortation?
How does it link back to Pope Francis?
What is the preferential option for the poor?

The answers to these questions and more. ⤵️

https://cafod.org.uk/pray/dilexi-te-explained

Dilexi te explained: What is Pope Leo's Apostolic Exhortation?

CAFOD answers your questions on Pope Leo's apostolic exhortation Dilexi te and the important messages it contains for the world today.

cafod.org.uk

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CAFOD @cafod.bsky.social · 5d

Dilexi te from Pope Leo XIV is now available.

The title means "I have loved you” and this work is the first Apostolic Exhortation from our current Pope.

Following on from the work of Pope Francis, it reflects on love for the poor and the importance of taking action.

A quote graphic from Pope Leo XIV.

"For us Christians, the problem of the poor leads to the very heart of our faith. … or Christians, the poor are not a sociological category, but the very “flesh” of Christ."

A quote graphic from Pope Leo XIV.

It reads:

"I am convinced that the preferential choice for the poor is a source of extraordinary renewal both for the Church and for society, if we can only set ourselves free of our self-centeredness and open our ears to their cry.

A quote graphic from Pope Leo XIV.

It reads: "The condition of the poor is a cry that, throughout human history, constantly challenges our lives, societies, political and economic systems, and, not least, the Church. On the wounded faces of the poor, we see the suffering of the innocent and, therefore, the suffering of Christ himself."

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CAFOD @cafod.bsky.social · 6d

Our local partner Caritas Jerusalem have issued a statement welcoming news that an agreement has been reached in the first phase of the Gaza peace deal.

We are waiting alongside them to learn more about the details regarding humanitarian aid access.

https://bit.ly/3KFoBu4

A graphic featuring an image of the Holy Family Catholic Church in Gaza in the background.

"Caritas Jerusalem Statement

We welcome this announcement with gratitude and hope. We are awaiting details on the opening of all humanitarian corridors for aid delivery, and we reaffirm our unwavering commitment to stand beside the people of Gaza as they begin the long journey of healing, recovery and rebuilding."

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CAFOD @cafod.bsky.social · 8d

"At the same time, I urge everyone to remain united in prayer, so that the ongoing efforts may put an end to the war and lead us towards a just and lasting peace.”

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CAFOD @cafod.bsky.social · 8d

“I ask all those in positions of responsibility to commit themselves to this path, to bring about a ceasefire and to release the hostages.

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CAFOD @cafod.bsky.social · 8d

Speaking yesterday, Pope Leo XIV called on political leaders to commit themselves fully to negotiations so that a ceasefire and the release of hostages can be secured.

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CAFOD @cafod.bsky.social · 8d

With this week marking two years of the current conflict in the Middle East, we continue to pray for an end to this devastating situation, the release of all hostages and restoration of aid.

A graphic on a dark background.

The text says:

"Join us in praying for peace in the Middle East."

"God of peace, bearer of hope,
we seek your help
for the peoples of the Middle East.

Quiet the clamour of war
and guide us towards peace.

Where there is hatred and division
sow seeds of calm and openness.

Where there is destruction
help us to rebuild.

Where children are crying
bring an end to tears.

Shelter your peoples and protect them
Guide them and keep them from harm.

Show us how to break down the barriers of history and fear
and breathe whispers of hope.

Amen.

Linda Jones/CAFOD"

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CAFOD @cafod.bsky.social · 9d

Following #FamilyFastDay, our thanks go out to all the amazing people who brought Waré's story into parishes this Harvest. 💚

We're grateful to clergy for welcoming our speakers and all the parishioners for listening and showing support. More about the appeal. ⤵️

cafod.org.uk/give/appeals...

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CAFOD @cafod.bsky.social · 9d

We appreciate all of the efforts supporters have made this Harvest and on Family Fast Day to show love and solidarity for our global family.

A better world needs all of us and it's great to see people coming together to make an impact.

https://cafod.org.uk/give/appeals/family-fast-day-appeal

A poster showing Waré pouring water.

The text says: "CAFOD Family Fast Day Appeal

Jesus said: 'Love your neighbour as yourself', Mark 12:31.

Please help more of our neighbours get safe water for their families."

CAFOD @cafod.bsky.social · 10d

The Season of Creation came to a close yesterday on the Feast of St Francis.

Two years ago, his namesake Pope Francis published his apostolic exhortation Laudate Deum which calls for faster climate action from world leaders. On Wednesday, Pope Leo XIV repeated the call.

An image of Pope Francis waving with text from a prayer:

"Laudate Deum,
O God we praise you,
for the world sings
of your infinite love.

Forgive us our failure
to agree a way forward
to protect this earth
and our children's future.

For the way the powerful
shelter behind their wealth,
while the poorest people are disregarded,
and the earth is at breaking point.

Guide our leaders
to set aside their own interests
in the interest of us all
and grant us all the courage
to turn our concern into change.

Strengthen our faith,
and let us never lose hope
so together we may rise up
responding to the urgent call
of your people and all creation.

Amen.

Prayer: Catherine Gorman/CAFOD"

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CAFOD @cafod.bsky.social · 10d

Fleeing from Sudan to South Sudan. Internal displacement in Lebanon. Venezuela to Guatemala.

For the World Day of Migrants and Refugees, we're sharing stories from three inspirational women who were forced to leave their homes but remain hopeful. Find out more. ⤵️

https://bit.ly/4mOa6l3

Sarah photographed holding her sleeping child.

Jannette at work in a Caritas vest stood behind a laptop.

A photo showing the back of a Venezuelan woman in Guatemala by a colourful, painted wall.

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CAFOD @cafod.bsky.social · 11d

Thanks to all who've been supporting our Harvest Appeal over the Family Fast Day weekend. 💚

A better world needs all of us and your donations help local partners like Teamrat to provide expert support alongside communities they know well.

https://cafod.org.uk/give/appeals/family-fast-day-appeal

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CAFOD @cafod.bsky.social · 11d

Thanks for all the love and solidarity you've displayed this Family Fast Day after hearing Waré's story! 💚

A better world needs all of us and your donations will help more communities overcoming poverty and injustice.

https://cafod.org.uk/give/appeals/family-fast-day-appeal

Waré and her family together inside their home.

Guyo from partner CIFA Ethiopia with colleagues sat in a car.

Adi and her family stood buy the water tank structure.

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