Our Values

In the face of poverty and suffering in the world, Caritas's fundamental response is compassion rooted in love. Caritas refuses to accept the suffering of its brothers and sisters and takes action to relieve that suffering.

Caritas's hope is inspired by the Christian faith and by the strength and ingenuity of its partners and the people it serves. Knowing that Christian hope is not passive, Caritas believes that by working together, a better world can and must be achieved so that all may enjoy the fullness of life.

Caritas sees the poor as dignified human beings, not as objects of hopeless pity, and works with them to build a better future. Caritas believes in the inherent dignity of every person and in the equality of men and women, and works with all people without distinction of race, sex, religion or politics.

Caritas believes that caring for those who are less well-off is everyone's responsibility. Preferential attention must be given to vulnerable and marginalised people, whose needs and rights receive particular attention in the eyes of God.

Caritas believes that one cannot give as a gift what a person should already have by right. Caritas challenges the economic, social, political and cultural structures that stand in the way of a just society.

Caritas strives to strengthen solidarity with the poor, seeing the world through their eyes and recognising the interdependence of humanity.

Caritas builds links between communities around the world, recognising that all both give and receive. Caritas works within and beyond the Catholic family in pursuit of justice to change the world for the better.

Caritas believes that the planet and all its resources are entrusted to humanity, and seeks to act responsibly on environmental matters as true stewards of creation.

Caritas believes in adherence to moral principles and in the centrality of personal honesty and sincerity. Caritas thus encourages congruence in our thoughts, judgement, choices and actions.

Caritas encourages reflection on what is defined as morally good or bad, or morally right or wrong. Caritas also values the importance of assessing the impact of human activities on those with whom we share the planet and on future generations. Ethics goes beyond the internal compass: it is a consistent system that guides societal structures towards virtuous action, guided by the social teachings of the Church.

Caritas believes that all individuals have a role to play in contributing to the common good. Through its advocacy, Caritas promotes a culture of transparency and accountability at the level of the individual, personal relationships and society. At the organisational level, Caritas addresses structural concerns, promotes good governance and encourages adherence to the Caritas Internationalis Management Standards (CIMS).

Caritas seeks to ensure that power, decisions and responsibilities are exercised at the local level wherever possible. In the spirit of synodality, we value community-led programmes and participatory management at all levels, ensuring that sound partnership and fraternal cooperation are at the heart of how we work together.