Italian Catholic Church directs 8‑x‑Mille funds to worldwide development projects

The Italian Catholic Church's charitable committee approved 67 projects valued at nearly €11 million, funded by 8‑x‑Mille contributions from Italian citizens. The initiatives span Africa, Asia, Latin America, the Middle East, Europe and Oceania, including a migrant‑disability partnership in Kenya, drug‑prevention programmes for more than 3,000 youths in Tripura (India), and disability screening, rehabilitation and social inclusion support in Uttar Pradesh (India). In parallel, the Church’s “Spirito di Assisi” commission issued an interfaith call for prayer on 27 May, urging believers of all faiths to appeal for the alleviation of oppressive debt that deprives millions of access to education, health, work and a dignified life. The commission stresses that prayer must be accompanied by concrete actions and debt‑remission efforts, aiming to promote solidarity, justice and lasting hope for vulnerable populations.