“Approach your work with a pastoral heart” – Apostolic Nuncio to Ghana tells Caritas staff

The Apostolic Nuncio to Ghana, His Excellency Julian Kabore, has urged Caritas Africa Directors and Technical Staff to blend technical expertise with compassion in their approach to disaster risk management.

Speaking at the opening of a three-day training workshop on Community-Led Disaster Risk Management (CLDRM) in Accra, the Nuncio emphasized the importance of maintaining a pastoral heart in addressing the challenges faced by vulnerable communities in disaster-stricken regions.

“I encourage you to approach your work not only with technical expertise but also with a pastoral heart,” His Excellency Kabore told the gathered participants at the Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration (GIMPA) on Monday, December 2, 2024.

He stressed that disaster management is not just about implementing strategies but also about restoring hope and dignity to those affected by disasters, particularly the poor and marginalized.

The training workshop, organized by Caritas Ghana and Caritas Africa, brings together about 50 participants from across Africa, including countries from the West African, Central African, Eastern African regions, and Madagascar. The workshop aims to build the capacity of Caritas leaders to develop and implement community-driven disaster risk management strategies, empowering local populations to take ownership of their safety and resilience.

Archbishop Kabore described the workshop as a practical response to the global challenges posed by disasters, which are often exacerbated by poverty, environmental degradation, and social inequality in many African nations.

Drawing inspiration from Pope Francis’ encyclical Laudato Si’, he reminded the participants that disaster response is a call to action, urging them to work together “to protect our common home and uphold the dignity of all people.”

“This workshop is a practical embodiment of that call,” he said.

The Nuncio also underscored how the workshop aligns with broader global and regional initiatives, such as Caritas Internationalis’ Together We campaign on Integral Ecology and the African Union’s Disaster Management Plan.

These frameworks, he noted, demonstrate the Church’s commitment to collaborating with civil society, governments, and other partners for the common good.

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Acknowledging the efforts of Caritas Africa and Caritas Ghana, Archbishop Kabore commended them for organizing the workshop, which he described as a vital initiative for empowering local communities in disaster-prone areas.

He assured the participants of the Holy See’s continued support and encouragement as they work towards building resilience and hope in the face of disasters.