As Pope Leo XIV visits, Africa’s often interrelated crises of armed conflict, poverty and displacement have been worsened by the withdrawal of development and humanitarian aid by the United States and other donor nations.
Humanitarian Aid
Posted inDispatches
Q&A: Why did the Vatican pass on Trump’s Board of Peace?
As Cardinal Secretary of State Parolin said, the Holy See insists on the importance of participation by the United Nations in Donald Trump’s Board of Peace.
Posted inShort Take
The good Samaritan’s lessons for Catholic health care on World Day of the Sick
The Catholic Church is the largest unified provider of health care in the world, giving us our best opportunity to relieve suffering and improve lives.
Posted inNews
Israel bans dozens of aid groups from Gaza, including Caritas, drawing condemnation
A patriarchate spokesperson said Caritas Jerusalem would continue its humanitarian and development operations in Gaza, the West Bank, and Jerusalem, in accordance with its mandate.
Posted inThe Weekly Dispatch
Mass deportation, immigration and foreign aid chaos: the most-read stories in 2025
Immigration was perhaps the biggest story of the year for many of America’s editorial departments. It surely was for Dispatches, The Weekly Dispatch and in feature writing for America magazine.
Posted inDispatches
Trump’s irresponsible talk about South Africa ‘white genocide’ stokes racial divisions
President Donald Trump’s promotion of a erroneous narrative of white farmers being “killed and slaughtered” in a genocide in South Africa is contributing to racial tensions there.
Posted inLast Take
Catholic Charities president: How service can become a habit
The government shutdown led to increased awareness about the unacceptable level of hunger in America. That awareness has led to action.
Posted inThe Weekly Dispatch
Holy Family Hospital in Bethlehem brings hope and help to West Bank Christians
Economic and political conditions for West Bank Christians have grown dire, but Holy Family Hospital remains a beacon of hope and faith.
Posted inThe Weekly Dispatch
We know how to fight global poverty. But do we have the will to actually do it?
While affluent nations step back from humanitarian relief and economic development assistance, the world is on the verge of reversing progress against global poverty.
Posted inShort Take
I’m a Catholic doctor in Sudan. We need international aid—at the grassroots level.
When local leaders are equipped and trusted, the impact of humanitarian aid is immediate, cost-effective and lasting.