Caritas, after two years the senselessness of the war is obvious
“These two years confirm, if there is any need at all, the futility of war, which brings only death and destruction. With our commitment, which involves many communities in Italy and abroad, we want not only to give a concrete response to the needs of the Ukrainian population, but to show that, as Pope Francis constantly reminds us, the The only way forward is that of peace and reconciliation between peoples. Let us not tire of continuing on this path and pray that the violence and destruction will disappear,” said the director of Caritas Italiana, Don Marco Pagniello, two years after the outbreak of the conflict in Ukraine.
In these two years, the animation and support work of the national Caritas of Ukraine, the Italian Caritas and the diocesan Caritas was “enormous,” explains Caritas in a statement. 6.4 million people are seeking refuge abroad, 14.6 million people are in need of assistance and 3.7 million people are displaced within the country. Caritas Italiana participated in the intervention of the international Caritas network in favor of Caritas Ukraine and Caritas-Spes with reception and protection services, medical assistance, hygiene and food packages and monetary donations. Of the 24,325,914.15 euros collected (as of December 31, 2023), one million of which came from the CEI (8×1000 funds), two thirds have already been spent (15,690,744.38 euros). The remainder is earmarked for projects to be carried out this year and in future years. Of the contributions spent, 4,926,879.91 euros went to support projects in Ukraine and neighboring countries and 10,763,864.47 euros went to hosting projects in Italy.