Vatican official rebuts criticism from outgoing Caritas International leader

CWN - March 08, 2011

Responding to criticism from the outgoing head of Caritas International, the secretary of the Pontifical Council Cor Unum has said that the Vatican wants new leadership in the international coalition of relief agencies because major reforms are in store.

Msgr. Giampietro Dal Toso told the Catholic News Agency that the changes at Caritas International will include “the revision of its statutes and internal reform.” For that reason, he said, the Vatican decided that new leadership was necessary, and chose not to approve a new 4-year term for the current secretary-general, Lesley-Anne Knight.

Knight, in an interview with the National Catholic Reporter, had complained that Vatican officials had not communicated clearly with Caritas. Msgr. Dal Toso disagreed, saying that the lines of communication were always open. He added that with her public criticisms, Knight “might seriously damage the prestige of Caritas International.”

The reforms that the Vatican is planning for Caritas International will reportedly accentuate the Catholic identity of the relief agencies. Knight had suggested that some members of the international coalition might be uncomfortable with a more assertive Catholic identity.

Additional sources for this story
Some links will take you to other sites, in a new window.

An appeal from our founder, Dr. Jeffrey Mirus:

Dear reader: If you found the information on this page helpful in your pursuit of a better Catholic life, please support our work with a donation. Your donation will help us reach five million Truth-seeking readers worldwide this year. Thank you!

Progress toward our June expenses ($20,360 to go):
$30,000.00 $9,639.93
68% 32%
Sound Off! CatholicCulture.org supporters weigh in.

All comments are moderated. To lighten our editing burden, only current donors are allowed to Sound Off. If you are a donor, log in to see the comment form; otherwise please support our work, and Sound Off!

Show 1 Comments? (Hidden)Hide Comments
  • Posted by: GUY F. - Mar. 08, 2011 9:59 PM ET USA

    Caritas International will reportedly accentuate the Catholic identity of the relief agencies AND it is long overdue - DEO VOLENTE

Catholic World News Email Newsletter
Donate to Support this Site: Your contribution will be put to good work.
Tour the CatholicCulture.org Site
Shop Amazon to Raise Money for Catholic Culture

Recent Catholic Commentary

Those Harleys again 16 hours ago
Happy Father's Day! June 14
Worried about the Pope's unscripted statements? Relax. He knows what he's doing. June 14
Want advance notice about Friday fast intentions? June 14
Recognizing Our Guilt is Healthy June 13

Top Catholic News

Most Important Stories of the Last 30 Days
Vatican document demands governments protect refugees CWN - June 6
Pope acknowledges 'gay lobby' influence in Vatican CWN - June 11
Pope confirms he is completing encyclical on faith begun by Benedict XVI CWN - June 13