Turn Debt into Hope

Join us as we celebrate the 10th anniversary of Laudato Si' and the launch of the Turn Debt into Hope advocacy compaign.

| Date: Friday 16 May 2025 | Time: 12-1pm AEST | Register: caritas.org.au/debt | Join us in this Year of Jubilee to launch the Turn Debt into Hope campaign. The Australian Catholic Bishops Conference Office for Justice Ecology and Peace, and Caritas Australia invite you to join us in tackling the global debt crisis. Countries like Samoa and Malawi struggle because their debts are too high. But this isn’t just about money-it’s about people. Unjust debt crushes hope, steals opportunities, and leaves communities struggling to survive.

Debt is harming communities

Some countries are spending more on debt servicing than on education, healthcare, or responding to the climate crisis. Countries have paid back their loans many times over in interest and repayments, but more payments are due. As Pope Francis said, “Mor than generosity, this is a matter of justice” (Spes Non Confundit, n16). In nations suffering from debt injustice, people lack food, clean water, and sae homes. Debt makes this situation worse. The current debt crisis worsens inequality. It undermines efforts to achieve global peace and justice.

A Jubilee Year is time for forgiveness

Inspired by the history of Jubilee years and responding to Pope Francis’s message of hope and justice, we invite you to join the “Turn Debt into Hope” campaign. Join us in the call to leaders around the globe to prioritise the wellbeing of people and the planet, ensuring that the Earth’s resources benefit everyone We are part of a global campaign coordinated by the world wide Caritas confederation and with the support of the Holy See, seeking real reform from global leaders to bring about debt justice for the most vulnerable.

A Message of Hope

People are pushing back. As Leba Tamari from Caritas Fiji reminds us, “Frequent, strong cyclones destroy our schools, our hospitals, and our homes, but there’s a bigger problem we are facing, a money problem.” Together, we can turn this challenge into an opportunity for hope and justice. Leba will be joining us to launch the campaign.

Register for the Launch Webinar: On May 16, at 12.00pm AEST (10-11am our time), Caritas Australia and the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference Office for Justice Ecology and Peace will host a webinar to launch this campaign. Register to learn more about the crisis, why this campaign is crucial during the Jubilee Year, and how you can take action to support global economic justice.

Join the Movement

Stand with us in this global effort to build a more just world. Your participation in the “Turn Debt into Hope” campaign is a powerful statement of compassion and courage. Together, we can ensure that the goods of the Earth are shared equitably among all people.To learn more and register visit: www.caritas.org.au/debt

There is a petition to the Prime Minister, Foreign Minister and Treasurer in the foyer.