As a secretariat, we want to recognise and support the essential and admirable work, in the service of charity, that our members continue to do for people in need all over Europe during this COVID-19 crisis. We will keep up the fight for social justice and care for all people in vulnerable situations, it is needed more than ever.

Maria Nyman, Caritas Europa Secretary General

In the face of the COVID-19 pandemic, Caritas Europa secretariat stands in solidarity and prayer with all affected families and communities. The secretariat continues to be operational and to serve the network. However, to comply with the official safety measures, we have put on hold all travelling and all staff is working from home, respecting social distancing.

We are carefully monitoring the developments of COVID-19 as it will strongly affect the services our network provides to people in the most precarious situations, who will be the hardest hit by the effects of this global crisis. A Caritas Europa crisis cell has been set up to liaise with the secretariat of Caritas Internationalis and with all our members to evaluate the specific needs of the network and the support measures that can be taken at the European level.

We are specifically looking at the impact the crisis will have on our economies, service provision and health care. We are also analysing the impact it might have on ongoing or planned international programs and humanitarian action. With the expected mid- to long-term consequences, we will continue to advocate on behalf of the most vulnerable populations, focusing on the needs arising from the crisis.

COVID-19 has no borders, nor does it discriminate based on wealth, status or origin. While governments are facing an unprecedented internal emergency, we urgently call on them again to not leave anyone behind and to avoid contributing to an additional stigmatisation of those already marginalised, including migrants and refugees.

I renew my closeness to all the sick and those caring for them. This extends to all the caregivers and volunteers who help those who cannot leave their homes, and those who are meeting the needs of the poorest and the homeless.

Pope Francis, 15 March 2020

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