New Zealander appointed Caritas Internationalis VP

Ms Antonio is the first New Zealander, the first Pasifika leader and only the second woman to hold this global governance role in Caritas Internationalis, which is a confederation of 162 independent national organisations in more than 200 countries and territories.

Speaking in Rome, where she had an audience with Pope Leo XIV to discuss her new position, Ms Antonio said the appointment is an opportunity to shine a light on a part of the world that is often forgotten by the international community. 

As COP 30 comes to an end, there is growing regional concern about the climate-driven challenges facing small island nations. Ms Antonio said that the appointment improves the profile of New Zealand and Pasifika humanitarian, development and climate change action.

“My election gives the Pacific a stronger voice,” she said. “In a region where the impacts of the climate crisis are immediate, this role strengthens CANZ’s ability to raise issues such as Pacific climate debt, resilience and the disproportionate burden borne by small island and coastal states. Our communities are among the first to experience the effects of climate change and among the least resourced.”

Caritas Oceania president Cardinal Soane Mafi of Tonga said: “In recent years, the harsh realities facing the communities in Oceania have become more widely known, thanks in part to the work of Caritas. To now have a daughter of Oceania taking on such a prominent role in the global Caritas movement is a source of pride and a recognition that every part of our world is important. We entrust Mena’s new role to the Lord, and we ask the great saints of Oceania to intercede for her.”

Ms Antonio was elected by the Caritas Internationalis Representative Council, upon the proposal of the Caritas Internationalis president Cardinal Tarcisio Isao Kikuchi from Japan. The appointment was confirmed by the confederation’s general assembly this month.

New Zealand’s Catholic bishops were delighted with Ms Antonio’s appointment, Conference president Bishop Steve Lowe said. 

“We see Mena’s dedication and commitment to this integral part of the Church’s outreach and ministry up close,” he said.

“Mena’s strong advocacy and leadership here in New Zealand and Oceania has clearly been noticed around the world. Her talents will now be shared with the vast Caritas network, but we are very grateful she will continue to lead our national office.”

FULL STORY

Historic appointment ‘a chance to shine light on Pacific’ (Caritas Aotearoa New Zealand)

Our Governance and Leadership (Caritas Internationalis)

Ms. Mena Antonio (Caritas Internationalis)