His Eminence Cardinal Michael Felix Czerny, S.J., Prefect of the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development of the Vatican City, has visited Rohingya refugee camps in Cox’s Bazar to witness ongoing humanitarian efforts and express solidarity with the displaced community.

The Vatican delegation included Fr. Joseph Savarimathu, Ms. Francesca Dona, Archbishop Kevin Stuart Randall, Archbishop Lawrence Subrata Howlader, Bishop Gervas Rozario, and Fr. Liton Gomes. They were received by Caritas Bangladesh’s Executive Director, Mr. Daud Jibon Das, and other senior officials.

During the visit, Cardinal Czerny and his team interacted with Rohingya families and observed humanitarian projects operated by Caritas Bangladesh. They toured the MCAC Centre at Camp 4 and Camp 4 Extension, where children welcomed them with songs and flowers, and later visited WASH (Water, Sanitation and Hygiene) initiatives and shelter upgrade projects in Camp 19.

At a community consultation, Rohingya representatives expressed heartfelt gratitude to Caritas Bangladesh for its continued support. “Even when the world’s attention fades, Caritas Bangladesh stays — standing with us, listening to us, and working for our people,” one community member said.

Commending Caritas’s humanitarian commitment, Cardinal Czerny said the organisation had built “a true community of care” among the refugees. “What I see here is not only humanitarian service but compassion and solidarity that strengthen the entire community,” he remarked.

The Cardinal also reflected on the plight of the displaced population, noting, “Rohingya people are facing many serious challenges in their daily lives, yet they have a deep desire to return home.” He added that the positive practices in hygiene, mutual respect, and environmental care are “seeds of hope” that will help build a peaceful and healthy future when repatriation becomes possible.

Expressing concern over global funding cuts, Cardinal Czerny urged the international community and faith-based organisations to renew their commitment to the Rohingya. “The world should show more solidarity, not less,” he said.

Concluding his visit, Cardinal Czerny praised the courage and resilience of the Rohingya people. “I pray and wish that one day they will be able to return safely to their homeland and live in peace and dignity,” he said.

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