A LEGACY OF SERVICE AND SOLIDARITY
Since its creation in 1979, Caritas Middle East and North Africa (MONA) has been a living testimony of Christian charity, serving communities across fifteen countries from Iran to Mauritania. Rooted in the Gospel and the Church’s social teaching, Caritas MONA stands for human dignity, dialogue, and fraternal cooperation.
Over the decades, the region has faced wars, displacement, natural disasters, and social challenges, yet Caritas MONA and its member organizations have remained steadfast in their mission to bring hope, promote peace, and respond to the needs of the most vulnerable.
The MONA Region of Caritas Internationalis was officially established during the 11th General Assembly in Rome in 1979. Since then, it has grown into a strong network of national Caritas organizations in the Middle East, North Africa, and the Horn of Africa.
From emergency relief and social development to education, health, and migration support, Caritas MONA continues to embody the Church’s mission of love and service across a region marked by diversity, resilience, and faith.
Caritas Intarantioanlis was officially created as a confederation
In 1954, the Confederation recived approval from the Catholic Church to adopt the name Caritas Internationalis (CI). The name was officially used startinf in 1957.
Caritas Internationalis promotes and prioritize the human person, especially the most disadvantaged and vulnerable.
In 2007, Caritas MONA adopted new statutes that reflected its evolving identity and mission. The revision formally recognized three geographical zones within the region (the Middle East, North Africa, and the Horn of Africa) each with its own realities and pastoral priorities. This structure strengthened regional coordination and encouraged more contextualized approaches to humanitarian response, social development, and interreligious dialogue.
