Vatican Minister for Human Development Visits Rohingya Camp

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Publish : 04 Nov 2025, 08:49 AM

Photo: Collected

Cardinal Michael Felix Czerny, the visiting Vatican Minister, inspected the Rohingya refugee camp in Cox's Bazar.

This information was confirmed in a press release issued on Monday (November 3) by the media sub-committee for the visit.

The release stated that Cardinal Czerny, the Vatican's Minister for Promoting Integral Human Development, undertook the visit to observe ongoing humanitarian efforts and express solidarity with the displaced Rohingya population. After observing the overall situation in the Rohingya camps, he assured of direct consultation and cooperation with Pope Leo XIV so that more effective initiatives can be taken to resolve these humanitarian problems in the future.

The Cardinal was accompanied by his Secretary, Father Joseph Savarimuthu; the Regional Coordinator for Asia Mainland, Francesca Donà; the Apostolic Nuncio to Bangladesh, Archbishop Kevin Stuart Randall; the Archbishop of Chattogram, Lawrence Subrata Howlader; and the Chairman of the Bishops' Commission for Justice and Peace, Bishop Gervas Rozario. The Secretary of the same commission, Father Liton Gomes, was also present. Daud Jibon Das, Executive Director and Project Director of the Emergency Response Programme (ERP), along with senior ERP staff, extended a warm welcome to the delegation.

During the visit, Cardinal Czerny and the delegation spoke directly with Rohingya families and observed various humanitarian activities implemented by Caritas Bangladesh. They visited the MCAC centers in Camp 4 and Camp 4 Extension under the protection program.

Following this, the delegation participated in a WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) exhibition and a community consultation meeting at the Warehouse-cum-Distribution Center in Camp 4.

They also inspected the Shelter program in Camp 19, where Cardinal Czerny personally distributed improved shelter materials among refugee families.

Additionally, he consulted with community leaders and participated in a prayer for honorable repatriation.

Speaking about the visit, Cardinal Czerny said, "My experience in the camps shows that people are facing very serious challenges in their daily lives. They have a deep desire to return home. I am very happy with the various activities that Caritas is sponsoring because they are constantly supporting the people and preparing them for a hopeful future."

Addressing the international community and faith-based organizations, he remarked, "The situation is very difficult due to funding cuts and reduced world attention. The world should show more solidarity, not less." Cardinal Czerny concluded, "I am very happy to be here with the Rohingya people and witness their strength and resilience. I pray and hope that one day they will be able to return safely to their homeland and live with peace and dignity."

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