Compassion: Confronted by global poverty and suffering, the fundamental response of Caritas is compassion rooted in love. Caritas refuses to accept the suffering of brothers and sisters and takes action to alleviate such suffering.

Hope: Caritas’ hope is inspired by Christian faith and the strength and resourcefulness of its partners and the people whom they serve. In the knowledge that Christian hope is not passive, Caritas believes that by working together, a better world can and must be achieved so that all can enjoy fullness of life.

Dignity: Caritas sees the poor as dignified human beings not hopeless objects of pity and works with them to build a better future for them. Caritas believes in the intrinsic dignity of every person and that all women and men are equal. Caritas works with all people regardless of race, gender, religion or politics.

Preferential Option for the Poor: Caritas believes that caring for those who are less well-off is everyone’s responsibility. Preferential care should be shown to vulnerable and marginalised people, whose needs and rights are given special attention in God’s eyes.

Justice: Caritas believes that one cannot make a gift of something a person should already have by right. Caritas challenges economic, social, political and cultural structures that are opposed to a just society.

Solidarity: Caritas works to enhance solidarity with the poor, seeing the world through their eyes, and recognising the interdependence of humanity.

Fraternal Cooperation and Communion: Caritas builds links between communities across the world, acknowledging that all receive as well as give. Caritas works within and beyond the Catholic family seeking justice to change the world for the better.

Environmental Stewardship: Caritas believes the planet and all its resources are entrusted to humankind and seeks to act in an environmentally responsible way as true stewards of creation.

Integrity: Caritas believes in the adherence to moral principles and its centrality in personal honesty and sincerity. Caritas thus promotes congruence in our thoughts, judgment, choices and actions.

Ethics: Caritas encourages reflections on what is defined as morally good or bad, or morally right and wrong. Caritas additionally values the importance of assessing the impact of human activities on those we share the planet with and future generations. In Caritas, ethics go beyond the internal compass, it is a constant system that guides the structures of
the society on virtuous actions

Transparency1 & accountability: Caritas believes that all individuals have a role to contribute to the common good. This may be achieved through reciprocal transparency in business and society. Caritas through advocacy promotes a culture of transparency, accountability at the individual, personal relations and societal level. At an organisation level, Caritas challenges structural2 concerns and promotes good governance.