CAFOD launches Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal and joins Ash Wednesday Day of Prayer for Peace

CAFOD has launched an appeal to support people affected by the crisis in Ukraine. As part of one of the largest aid networks in the world – Caritas Internationalis – CAFOD’s sister agencies Caritas Ukraine and Caritas Spes are already assisting people affected by the conflict, alongside Caritas agencies in countries neighbouring Ukraine.

Today, on Ash Wednesday, CAFOD is also urging supporters to join them and Pope Francis by responding to his call for a Day of Prayer and Fasting for Peace in Ukraine.   

Pope Francis has declared Ash Wednesday a Day of Prayer and Fasting for Peace in Ukraine “in order to be near to the suffering Ukrainian people, to be aware that we are all brothers and sisters, and to implore God for an end to the war”. 

He has also called for political leaders to make “a great examination of conscience before God, who is the God of peace and not of war”. 

Since Russian armed forces began their attacks on 24 February, hundreds of people have been killed and over 500,000 people have fled the country.  

Fears are growing of increased bombing of Kyiv and other major cities, and last night a Caritas Spes shelter in Kharkiv was hit by shelling whilst families sheltered on a lower floor of the building.   

Rhea Tariq, CAFOD’s Head of Humanitarian Response, said:  

“We have all been shocked by the rapid escalation of violence in Ukraine. As part of one of the largest aid networks in the world – Caritas Internationalis, our local Ukrainian aid workers and volunteers are on the ground and already responding. They are part of the communities they work with and understand people’s immediate needs. As one Caritas, we stand united with them.   

“Donations to our Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal will go directly to our local Caritas aid workers who are providing vital humanitarian aid and safe spaces for thousands of Ukrainian civilians caught up in this terrible fighting.” 

Jo Kitterick, CAFOD’s Director of Fundraising and Community Participation, said: 

“We are in awe of the love, generosity and courage shown by our Caritas colleagues and volunteers working day and night to help the most vulnerable people affected by the conflict in Ukraine.  

“As we begin our Lenten journey, we are asking our supporters to join us and Pope Francis in praying for peace in Ukraine. 

“We are also asking them to write to the Foreign and Home Secretaries to call for safe and legal routes for refugees and a peaceful solution to this dreadful conflict.” 

• CAFOD is the official aid agency of the Catholic Church in England and Wales and part of Caritas International. Working with communities across Africa, Asia, the Middle East, and Latin America to fight poverty and injustice. The agency works with people in need, regardless of race, gender, religion, or nationality. cafod.org.uk