By Abel Marius Oulai, Youth Ambassador for Quebec
Development and Peace ― Caritas Canada sent a youth delegation to two important events in Rome this summer. Social media officer Sarah Kabrit; youth programs officer Lea Mannari; youth representative Geneviève Déziel; and youth ambassador Abel Marius Oulai attended the Caritas Youth Forum from July 24 to 26. Then, Sarah and Geneviève were part of the Caritas Internationalis contingent at the Jubilee of Youth from July 28 to August 3, 2025. Abel and Geneviève share their experiences in these Rome diaries. This first part is Abel’s account. For Geneviève’s, read Part 2.
This summer, we had the pleasure of joining the North American delegation to the Caritas Youth Forum in Rome. There were four of us young people from Development and Peace ― Caritas Canada (DPCC) and one from Catholic Charities USA.
These days were rich in training, exchanges, encounters, and sharing. In the following paragraphs, I would like to share five highlights that particularly marked my stay, as well as a powerful spiritual moment experienced at the closing ceremony.
Strategizing for the future in Rome
During the presentation of Caritas Internationalis’s strategic framework for 2024-2030, I saw how central the values of human dignity and solidarity are to Caritas. This reinforced my belief that we are not alone and that we belong to a very large network in this quest for social justice and international solidarity.
Leadership training and professional development
The training session led by renowned thought leader and keynote speaker Dana Theus was a highlight. We worked on strengthening leadership skills and professional development. Being young means that the future belongs to us, but Dana reminded us that this future is being built today. This session made me aware of the essential place and role of young people within the organization.
The brainstorming workshops based on the strategic framework also helped us to better understand it, particularly by highlighting the concepts that made the biggest impression on us and the project ideas we would like to pursue in our communities.
Youth programs officer Lea Mannari was also our coordinator during our brainstorming sessions.
Our own Rome Declaration: a manifesto of hope
About six young people from the five regions of the world came together to draft a Caritas Youth Declaration of Hope in which every young person, wherever they are, can recognize themselves. It was a true team effort, marked by constructive exchanges and exemplary open-mindedness. The result: a short and hopeful declaration defending human dignity, rejecting inequality and oppression, promoting peace and reconciliation, and protecting our planet—all while drawing on our faith to remain beacons of light and hope in the world.
Presentation of the seven major Caritas Internationalis regions
The Caritas network consists of seven regions: Africa; the Middle East and North Africa; Europe; Asia; Oceania; Latin America and the Caribbean; and North America. Each region presented the actions carried out by young people in its territory and explored avenues for collaboration to strengthen ties.
Beyond cultural differences, we learned a lot from each other. Joint online activities are already planned for the coming months to maintain these ties and continue our shared commitment.
The pilgrimage to St. Peter’s Basilica
On the last day of the forum, Saturday, July 26, 2025, we took part in a pilgrimage to St. Peter’s Basilica. This highlight, marked by prayer and meditation, was made even more special by passing through the Holy Door, a symbol of faith and spiritual renewal.
The morning ended with a group photo, a visual testimony to the unity and diversity of the participants who had come from all corners of the world.
For me, this forum will remain an inspiring experience, bringing precious human encounters and a renewed commitment to a more just, united, and fraternal world.
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