News & Events

"We will open our hearts to the cries of the poor using our energies, gifts and resources to address violence and discrimination..." (Chapter Statement)

"In Australia in 2025, just as Catholics were called in 1950, we are called to welcome, support, and embrace those who arrive from other lands. We must “regard it as a solemn duty to help in the placing and absorbing of immigrants into our community and in making them feel at home amongst us”.  As St Paul reminds us, we should “not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by doing that some have entertained angels without knowing it” (Hebrews 13:2)

Migrants have made an immeasurable contribution to our nation, shaping and enriching our society in profound ways. We are the beneficiaries of their diverse cultural traditions, stories, and deep wisdom, as well as the resilience and lived experiences they bring. Their presence has not only strengthened the fabric of our communities but has also deepened our understanding of what it means to be human. Through their contributions, Australia has become a more welcoming, vibrant, and flourishing society.

This timeless call to hospitality and generosity remains as vital today as it was seventy-five years ago. In Pope Leo’s words, this call today is for us to become a living witness to hope and to build a community that recognise migrants and refugees as brother and sister, part of a family which they can express their talents and participate fully in their new community life."

• Read the complete Statement here

"We will open our hearts to the cries of the poor..." (Chapter Statement)

As a result of the conflict, more than 60,000 lives have been lost, including more than 18,000 children, with the entire population of Gaza now in the grip of a starvation crisis. 

In response, Caritas Australia is urging supporters to sign a petition to amplify the call for increased aid access and a ceasefire.

“The people of Gaza cannot eat less than they already are,” said Caritas Australia’s chief executive, Kirsten Sayers. 

“Every signature helps protect innocent lives and ensure vital aid reaches those who need it most.”

The petition, which can also be printed with signatory sheets, will be delivered to the Australian Foreign Minister’s office on September 1. It calls for:

• Safe, unhindered, and large-scale humanitarian operations;
• An immediate and unconditional permanent ceasefire;
• Protection of civilians and aid workers; and
• The release of all Israeli hostages and Palestinians arbitrarily detained by Israel.

To sign the pledge and explore all the ways to act, visit: https://www.caritas.org.au/act/gaza

• Read the media release in full here

In its letter, CRA expressed grave concerns about the state of the youth justice system in the Northern Territory, following the Inquest findings of Territory Coroner Elisabeth Armitage into the death of Kumanjayi Walker, a First Nation’s youth in custody. The Coroner found that the Northern Territory Police Force bears “significant hallmarks of institutional racism” and that “racist attitudes may have influenced” the “failure to take adequate steps to minimise the risk of a fatal interaction” with Kumanjayi Walker...

Read the letter in full here

An estimated 280,000 people access homelessness services each year, with one in three having a current mental health issue.

The statement lists some of the ways that Catholic entities are engaging with the crisis.

Australians are encouraged to act, such as working with local government councils on ways to address homelessness and mental health, helping street van ministries and advocating to state and federal MPs about better policies. 

• Read the complete media release here

There are a number of ways to access the Social Justice Statement:

• Download the 2025 Social Justice Statement here
• Read a one-page summary here
• Listen to the Social Justice statement here
• Watch the Foreword