Manila (SE): Caritas Philippines welcomed the reorganisation of its umbrella organisation, Caritas Internationalis [CI], to better serve its member charities around the world, CBCPNews reported on November 24.
Bishop Jose Colin Bagaforo, head of Caritas Philippines, admitted Pope Francis’ move was “unexpected” but said it was a welcome decision “with the hope that Caritas would truly be faithful to its identity and mandate.”
In a decree released on November 22, the pope placed the entire organisation under temporary leadership after a review by an independent panel found management and morale lapses at its head office in Rome [Sunday Examiner, November 27].
Bishop Bagaforo said, “We believe it is for the good of Caritas and its people, but we would like to reiterate that the reorganisation is not due to corruption or mismanagement of funds.”
Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle, who described himself as the former president of Caritas Internationalis, and is the pro-prefect for the Section of Evangelisation of Dicastery, will work with the temporary administrators, who will oversee improved policies and prepare for the election of new officers in May 2023.
“The timing was good because most of us are here and the opportunity for realignment of its internal structure and standard operating procedures is needed as we prepare to elect new leadership by May 2023,” Bishop Bagaforo said, CBCPNews reported.
“We assure the public that Caritas around the world, including Caritas Philippines, is aware of what is happening and are in solidarity with CI,” he added.
