CAFOD Campaign: Tackling the Global Debt Crisis
The campaign to tackle the global debt crisis continues to gather momentum, as parishes across England and Wales stand in solidarity with communities most affected.
Last year, 500 parishes joined the global Church’s call to address the growing debt crisis that is having a devastating impact on low-income countries. We extend our sincere thanks to all the parishes in the Archdiocese of Cardiff-Menevia that took part in this vital effort.
Pope Francis repeatedly called for action during the Jubilee Year, inspiring a powerful response. More than 44,000 people signed CAFOD’s petition, demonstrating a strong commitment to justice and global solidarity. Encouragingly, 2025 brought hopeful signs of progress, and this year we are building on that momentum.
Why this matters
While borrowing is a normal part of economic life for all countries, low-income nations are facing a deeply unfair system. Due to complex global financial structures, they are often forced to pay significantly higher interest rates than wealthier countries. In many cases, the original debt has already been repaid, but spiralling interest keeps nations trapped in a relentless cycle.
This has serious consequences. Money that should go towards essential services—such as food, healthcare, and education—is instead diverted to repay creditors. Governments are left facing impossible choices between caring for their people and meeting debt obligations.
Wesley Chibamba, Policy and Advocacy Officer for Caritas Africa, highlights the human cost:
“We have to find a solution. At the moment people are dying because they can’t access healthcare. Children cannot go to school. People are going hungry and children are sleeping on empty stomachs because the governments have debt obligations. Governments don’t have the capacity to respond to any kind of humanitarian crisis.”
Signs of hope—and the road ahead
Thanks to global campaigning efforts during the Jubilee Year, the debt crisis has risen up the agenda at international summits. World leaders have acknowledged the need for urgent reform of the global financial system.
However, much more needs to be done. A fair and sustainable system is essential so that low-income countries can thrive rather than struggle under unsustainable debt.
The UK has a unique opportunity to lead change, as it prepares to host the G20 in 2027. This gathering of the world’s most powerful economies represents a critical moment to push for meaningful reform.
Cardinal Stephen Ameyu Martin Mulla of South Sudan has written to parishioners, sharing firsthand how the debt crisis is affecting his country. read the full letter below.
How you can take part
CAFOD is inviting parishes to renew their commitment by signing a new petition this spring. This is an opportunity to build on last year’s momentum and continue advocating for justice.
Please sign the online petition urging the UK government to take immediate action on this crisis, as it is in a strong position to help: CAFOD Petition.
You can also find out more at CAFOD - Cancel the Debt.
Together, we can raise our voices for change and help build a fairer financial system for all.
