The campaign emphasizes the detrimental impact of these debts, which divert essential resources from critical sectors such as health, education, and climate change mitigation. Jesuit Missions highlights the moral imperative for affluent nations to acknowledge past decisions and forgive debts that impoverished countries cannot repay, echoing Pope Francis's sentiments on justice and ecological responsibility.
A cornerstone of the campaign is the call for legislative action to ensure private lenders participate in debt relief. Given that approximately 90% of private debt contracts are governed by English law, UK government support for a Debt Justice Law could significantly influence global debt relief efforts.
To inaugurate this initiative, Jesuit Missions is mobilizing supporters to send emails to the Prime Minister on Ash Wednesday, 5 March, advocating for:
- Immediate debt cancellation to enable low-income countries to allocate funds towards essential services and climate initiatives.
- Enactment of a Debt Justice Law to mandate private lender participation in debt relief.
- Establishment of a comprehensive debt framework under the United Nations to prevent future debt crises.
For more information and instructions please visit the Jesuit Missions campaign page here.
This campaign is part of a broader global movement during the 2025 Jubilee Year, with organizations like Caritas Internationalis launching the #TurnDebtIntoHope campaign, advocating for debt cancellation and long-term financial reforms.
Pope Francis has also called for new international agreements to alleviate the debt of low-income countries, emphasizing the need for a financial framework rooted in solidarity and harmony.
Jesuit Missions' Lent 2025 campaign reflects a unified effort to address global debt injustices, urging systemic changes to promote equity and sustainability for future generations.
Banner photo by Pedro J Conesa on Unsplash
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