As we continue our journey for the 2025 Jubilee, it was Pope Francis who reminded us that “hope should be granted to the billions of the poor who often lack the essentials of life” and that “the goods of the Earth are not destined for a privileged few but for everyone.” (Spes Non Confundit, 15-16)

This week we received an update from our Maritime Regional Animator, Adah Ogbe, regarding the Bishops’ (CCCB) Pastoral Letter on Jubilee, Debt and Economic Justice. On July 25, the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops issued an important pastoral letter on the Jubilee, debt and economic justice. Observing that over 3 billion people live in countries that spend more on paying the interest on their loans than either healthcare or education, the Bishops explain that our international financial system is unjust, holds back development, and locks many countries into a cycle of unfair borrowing. The Bishops advise not only cancelling unjust and unpayable debt but also finding the ambition to address the structural problems in the financial system that lead to debt crises. The Government of Canada, the Bishops add, should “become a global leader on debt justice.” The letter also highlights Pope Francis’s recognition of the “ecological debt” owed by the Global North to the Global South.

In this Jubilee Year, “Catholics in Canada once again have an opportunity to raise our voices for debt relief and justice.” The Bishops have trusted Development and Peace – Caritas Canada to help Canadians connect with a global movement for debt justice in this Jubilee Year. Please join our Turn Debt into Hope campaign, beginning with signing the global petition for debt justice.

Copies of the Pastoral Letter can be found in the lobby of the church or click here for the entire Pastoral Letter