FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT:
Robyn Fieser
Catholic Relief Services
robyn.fieser@crs.org
(646) 648-3916

WASHINGTON, D.C., Aug. 21 2025 – Catholic Relief Services (CRS) welcomes the call by Archbishop Timothy P. Broglio, president of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), for a special collection to provide humanitarian relief and pastoral support to families in Gaza and surrounding areas of the Middle East.

In a letter to bishops across the United States, Archbishop Broglio urged Catholics to respond generously, directing donated funds to either link below:

Catholic Near East Welfare Association (CNEWA) and CRS.

“With great pastoral concern for the ongoing crisis in Gaza, our church mourns the terrible suffering of Christians and other innocent victims of violence who are struggling to survive, protect their children and live with dignity in dire conditions,” Archbishop Broglio wrote. He cited Pope Leo’s urgent appeals for a ceasefire and greater humanitarian access, reminding the faithful that “Gaza is starving.”

CRS has worked in the Holy Land for decades and remains committed to meeting urgent humanitarian needs with lifesaving assistance. Through trusted local partners, CRS is delivering food, shelter, cash assistance and hygiene supplies to families most affected by the crisis and caring for people’s emotional well-being. CRS hopes to transition to sustainable recovery efforts, including the rebuilding of homes and livelihoods.

“We are deeply grateful to the U.S. bishops for mobilizing support during this critical time,” said Bill O’Keefe, CRS executive vice president for Mission and Mobilization. “The generosity of U.S. Catholics will ensure that CRS and our partners can continue to deliver urgent aid and accompany families who are enduring unimaginable hardship.”

The special collection will support the ongoing work of CRS and CNEWA, both of which are providing emergency relief, medical care and long-term support to help families rebuild their lives.

For more information on CRS’ response and how to support, visit CRS.