We give thanks for Pope Francis’ extraordinary legacy, and we commit to carrying his vision forward in our work and our lives.

Every country partner and most program participants I have visited in the past few years have told me about the devastating impacts of record droughts and heatwaves, more severe and extreme cyclones, unprecedented flooding, and rising sea levels. Some of our participants might not be familiar with the term “climate change,” but they know what is in front of them.

It has now been 2 years since the start of the brutal conflict in Sudan. More than 30 million people in Sudan now require humanitarian assistance. Over half are children. The most vulnerable people are being impacted the most, including women, the elderly and people living with disabilities.  

On March 28, 2025, a devastating 7.7 magnitude earthquake struck Myanmar. Homes have been reduced to rubble, essential infrastructure has collapsed, and entire communities are struggling to access clean water, food, and medical care.