Cardinal Michael Felix Czerny Observes Humanitarian Efforts

Cardinal Michael Felix Czerny, S.J., Prefect of the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development of the Vatican City State, visited the Rohingya refugee camps in Cox’s Bazar. During his visit, he reviewed ongoing humanitarian activities and expressed solidarity with the displaced Rohingya community.

Accompanying him were Father Joseph Savarimuthu (Secretary to the Cardinal), Francesca Donna (Regional Coordinator for Asia), Archbishop Kevin Stuart Randall (Apostolic Nuncio to Bangladesh), Archbishop Lawrence Subrato Howlader (Archbishop of Chattogram), Bishop Gervas Rozario (Chairman, Episcopal Commission for Justice and Peace), and Father Liton Gomes (Secretary of the Commission).

They were warmly received by Mr. Daud Jibon Das, Executive Director of Caritas Bangladesh and Project Director of the Emergency Response Program (ERP), along with senior ERP officials.

Direct Interaction with Rohingya Families

Cardinal Czerny and his delegation visited humanitarian activities implemented by Caritas Bangladesh and directly interacted with Rohingya families. They toured the MCAC Center of the Protection Program in Camps 4 and 4 Extension, where they witnessed educational and recreational activities for children.

Later, they visited the Warehouse-cum-Distribution Center in Camp 4 to observe WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) initiatives and attended a community consultation meeting. In Camp 19, they distributed Shelter Upgradation Materials and held discussions with Rohingya leaders, offering prayers for their dignified repatriation. The delegation also visited the BMZ Center, where they met with women participating in education and empowerment programs.

Children’s Joyful Welcome

At the MCAC Center, children greeted Cardinal Czerny with songs and flowers, creating a heartwarming atmosphere. The children expressed their happiness, saying, “We are glad you came to see us. Please help us with learning and play materials so that we can learn joyfully.”

Moved by their affection, Cardinal Czerny said, “Your smiles and creativity are symbols of hope and life for all of us. They inspire us to continue working with compassion.”

Rohingya Representatives Express Gratitude

During a community consultation meeting at the ERP Warehouse, Rohingya representatives expressed deep gratitude to Caritas Bangladesh. They said, “Caritas stands beside us—with love, service, and care. Every day, they help us live with dignity by providing clean water, safe sanitation, shelter, and secure play spaces for our children. They are not just a source of survival but a source of strength and hope. When the world’s attention fades, Caritas remains with us.”

Cardinal’s Reflection: ‘This Is More Than Service—It Is a Community of Care’

Cardinal Czerny remarked, “The benefits of the WASH initiatives are long-lasting. What we see here is not just humanitarian service—it is a Community of Care, where people help one another, share what they have, and live with mutual compassion. The behavioral changes here—regarding hygiene, mutual respect, and environmental care—represent hope for the future. When they return home one day, these values will form the foundation of peace and well-being.”

A Humanitarian Appeal for Repatriation

Cardinal Czerny emphasized, “People in the camps face hardships every day. They deeply long to return home. Caritas’s efforts are not only assisting them but also preparing them for a hopeful future.”

He appealed to the international community and religious organizations, saying, “Even amid financial constraints and global indifference, solidarity must grow stronger. Every organization—Christian or otherwise—must focus on the real needs of people and stand beside those who suffer. We are helping, and we must continue to do so.”

Final Message: A Prayer for Hope

In conclusion, Cardinal Czerny said, “The strength and resilience of the Rohingya people deeply inspire me. I pray that one day they may safely return to their homeland and live in peace and dignity.”