Pope Leo XIV encourages Caritas health workers to continue their mission
Artificial intelligence, climate change and health services at the frontlines. How is the humanitarian sector coping? The second day of the Caritas Internationalis Health Conference: “A holistic approach to health in the Caritas Confederation” brought together health practitioners, AI experts, Church leaders and international partners to examine how faith-based organisations can respond to the growing […]
Artificial intelligence, climate change and health services at the frontlines. How is the humanitarian sector coping?The second day of theCaritas Internationalis Health Conference: “A holistic approach to health in the Caritas Confederation”brought together health practitioners, AI experts, Church leaders and international partners to examine how faith-based organisations can respond to the growing pressures facing health systems worldwide, from conflict and climate change to mental health, artificial intelligence and access to care. A message from Pope LeoParticipants received awritten message from Pope Leo XIV, delivered by Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican Secretary of State, encouraging Caritas health professionals to continue bringing God’s compassion to those who suffer. “The Holy Father encourages you to continue your contribution to the mission of the Church as she proclaims the Kingdom of God through her presence among the sick. Healing begins with the concrete action of tending the wounds of those who suffer”. – Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Secretary of StatePope Leo XIV imparted his Apostolic Blessing upon participants and those who work to serve the most deprived communities in the world. Opening the debates, Caritas Internationalis Secretary General Alistair Dutton reflected on the scale of today’s global challenges. “We are living in a world marked by a proliferation of conflicts, increasing humanitarian crises and growing pressure on health systems,” he said. “This conference is an opportunity to take stock of the immense healthcare ministry provided by Caritas and the Church around the world, and to deepen our understanding of the role we must play in responding to today’s health challenges. Health is one of the clearest expressions of our mission. ” – Alistair Dutton, Caritas Internationalis Secretary GeneralArtificial Intelligence comes with responsibilitiesArtificial intelligence set the tone for the opening session, bringing together ethical reflection and practical innovation in healthcare. Scott Hurd, Vice President for Leadership Development and Catholic Identity at Catholic Charities USA and curator of“An Exciting and Fearsome Tool: An Artificial Intelligence Ethics Guide for Catholic Charities,”addressed AI as both an opportunity and a responsibility. He was followed by Ben Wortham, Vice President of Integrated Health at Catholic Charities USA, who presentedSister Hope, an AI-powered chatbot designed to reach people who live in the most marginalised conditions. What is Sister Hope? It’s an AI-powered platform designed to support mental health and wellbeing. Already used by more than 25,000 people in the USA, the tool answers basic questions and then redirects users to receive services delivered by real psychologists or to get food aid in a completely anonymous way by just entering the zip code. Demonstrating how technology can complement, rather than replace, human accompaniment. Fr Andrea Ciucci of the Pontifical Academy for Life stressed the fact that nowadays doctors are so stretched by the demands that they barely have the time to speak calmly to their patients, the AI could give the technical support that would then allow practitioners to focus more on the human connection. “The real question is not how we regulate artificial intelligence, but how we choose to remain human in the age of AI. Technology should help healthcare professionals spend more time with patients, not less. Care begins with the encounter between persons. ” – Fr Andrea Ciucci of the Pontifical Academy for LifeClimate change and health emerged as another major topic. Drawing on the experience of Bangladesh, one of the countries most exposed to climate-related disasters, Caritas Bangladesh Executive Director Daud Jibon Das described the growing human cost of environmental degradation. “Climate change is becoming a public health emergency” -Daud Jibon Das, Caritas Bangladesh Executive DirectorBangladesh sees more floods, worsening nutrition crises, and the spread of climate-sensitive diseases such as dengue, malaria and cholera. The most vulnerable communities contribute least to the crisis, yet they carry its heaviest burden. Every climate disaster becomes a health crisis. ”Speakers also highlighted the crucial role of women in building community resilience. Fr Aris Miranda of CADIS stressed that women are often the backbone of local responses to crises, sustaining families, preserving social cohesion and strengthening communities’ ability to recover from disasters. Health in conflict zonesThe afternoon sessions focused on health in conflict settings, where access to care is increasingly threatened by violence, violation of international law, displacement and the collapse of essential services. Caritas Jerusalem’s Head of Health and Emergency Response, Ramez Razzouk, described the impossible choices faced by both communities and health workers in Gaza. “More than 80 per cent of the people we serve have lost their homes, their livelihoods or family members. Access to healthcare has become extraordinarily difficult. Our staff are living the same trauma as the communities they accompany. Imagine losing your home, losing loved ones, and still being expected to provide care every day to others in desperate need. That is the reality our teams face, and yet they carry on working with strong dedication. ” – Ramez RazzoukIn Ukraine, where the war continues to affect every aspect of daily life, Caritas Ukraine’s Head of Healthcare Programmes, Khrystyna Semegen-Bodak, painted a stark picture of a nation under constant psychological pressure. “Everyday life is based on the notifications of air attacks on your phone to see whether your city will or will not be attacked. After more than four years of war, around 70 per cent of the population report mental health difficulties, yet only one in ten people can access the support they need. ” – Khrystyna Semegen-Bodak, Caritas Ukraine’s Head of Healthcare Programmes,She noted that more than 2,600 healthcare facilities have been damaged or destroyed and over 300 health workers killed since the start of the conflict. Caritas Ukraine has responded by integrating mental health support across all its healthcare programmes, with dedicated services now available in 11 health centres across the country. High-level panel on partnership in times of aid cutsThe day concluded with a high-level discussion on partnerships involving representatives from the Global Fund, Gavi, the World Health Organisation, the World Council of Churches and World Vision. Eduard Molnar, Head of Donor Relations & Campaigns at Gavi, highlighted how partnerships have helped vaccinate more than 1. 2 billion children since the organisation’s creation, stressing that“Vaccines are not only a scientific achievement; they are also a social achievement built on trust”. A trust that is also built thanks to the partnerships with faith-based organisations like Caritas. Rev. Dr Kenneth Mtata, Director of Life, Justice and Peace at the World Council of Churches, underlined the unique role faith communities play in overcoming mistrust and misinformation. “Partnership is not optional. When we work together, communities become part of the solution. ”Francesco Moschetta, Head of Implementation at Global Fund, reflecting on implementation challenges, called for deeper inclusion of civil society and community-level actors:“Change begins locally. With community-driven mechanisms, partnerships become more effective. ”World Vision Global Director for Nutrition and Health, Dan Irvine, noted that tightening financial conditions are forcing organisations to rethink duplication:“We must reduce parallel systems, localise investment, and align efforts more intentionally. ”Hanna Monika Dias of the World Health Organisation stressed the importance of cross-sector coordination:“Health challenges today are multisectoral. No single institution has the reach or expertise to respond alone. ”Partnership seems no longer simply a strategy, but the only viable way forward. By Susan Dabbous, Caritas Internationalis Editorial and Media Officer