Caritas Tunisia delegation visits Sicily for twinning initiative

A delegation from Caritas Tunisia has concluded a week-long visit to Sicily, marking a significant step in the twinning process between Caritas Sicilia and Caritas Tunisia. This initiative follows a memorandum of understanding between the two diocesan and regional organizations.

During the visit, the Tunisian delegation traveled to several Sicilian locations, including Monreale, Palermo, Noto, Pozzallo, Modica, Ragusa, and Catania. They met with operators, volunteers, and various operational structures, such as SAI centers, the Casa dei Diritti, and Orto Solidale, which focus on migrant assistance, social support, and the inclusion of foreign workers.

A central component of the visit involved institutional meetings with the Sicilian Episcopal Conference and directors of various diocesan Caritas branches. The goal was to foster mutual understanding of the regulations and operational practices used in both territories to establish shared interventions for supporting vulnerable populations.

Monsignor Antonio Raspanti, President of the Sicilian Episcopal Conference, noted that the first phase of the twinning—understanding the respective regulatory environments—is complete, and the next stage will involve developing joint projects. Archbishop of Tunis, Monsignor Nicolas Lhernould, emphasized the importance of this shared dialogue between the two sides of the Mediterranean to serve human needs and the most vulnerable.