The Caritas Philippines welcomed the move of Pope Francis to reorganize the leadership of Caritas Internationalis, the Vatican’s charity arm, but also found the Pontiff’s action “unexpected'' and a “big surprise.”
“The decree was unexpected and a big surprise but we welcome the decision of the Holy Father with the hope that Caritas would truly be faithful to its identity and mandate,” said Caritas Philippines President Bishop Jose Colin Bagaforo in a statement on Thursday, Nov. 24.
“We believe it is for the good of Caritas and its people,” he added.
Bagaforo also reiterated that the organization’s “financial matters have been well-handled and fundraising goals regularly achieved.”
“We would like to reiterate that the reorganization is not due to corruption or mismanagement of funds,” he said.
On Tuesday, Pope Francis removed all Caritas Internationalis leaders, including its president emeritus Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle.
Pope Francis appointed Pier Francesco Pinelli, an Italian management consultant, as temporary administrator of Caritas Internationalis.
“In order to improve the fulfilment of this mission, it would appear necessary to revise the current regulatory framework to make it more appropriate to the statutory functions of the organization, and to prepare it for the elections to be held at the next General Assembly. With the fervent wish to facilitate the envisaged renewal of the Institution,” Pope Francis said in a statement.
To note, Caritas Philippines represents the country in Caritas Internationalis. The Caritas Internationalis is a Vatican-based confederation of “162 Catholic relief, development, and social service organizations operating in more than 200 countries and territories worldwide. “