Make your voice heard: Sign the petition to turn debt into hope

 

In his invitation letter to mark the 2025 Jubilee, Spes Non Confundit (“Hope does not disappoint”, Rom 5:5), Pope Francis reminds us that “hope should be granted to the billions of the poor who often lack the essentials of life” and that “the goods of the Earth are not destined for a privileged few but for everyone.” Inspired by this profound call to justice, Caritas Internationalis, together with faith-based and civil society organisations like KOLPING INTERNATIONAL, invites all people of goodwill to join our campaign, Turn Debt into Hope. Together, we urge decision-makers to prioritise people and planet over mere profit.

Unsustainable and unjust public debts strip nations of the resources needed to invest in health, education, climate action and the futures of their young people, locking entire generations into cycles of poverty and inequality. This compels us to demand debt justice for communities crushed by unjust and unpayable debts. As the Holy Father writes, “if we really wish to prepare a path to peace in our world, we must commit ourselves to remedying the remote causes of injustice, settling unjust and unpayable debts” (Spes Non Confundit, 16).

1. Stop the debt crisis now by cancelling and remedying unjust and unsustainable debts, without economic policy conditions;
2. Prevent debt crises from happening again by addressing their root causes, reforming the global financial system to prioritise people and the planet;
3. Establish a permanent, transparent, binding and comprehensive debt framework within the United Nations.

By signing this petition, you stand with millions of families around the world in their fight for dignity, opportunity and hope. This petition, shared globally, carries a consistent message while allowing for adaptation to regional, national and local realities. It calls on public, private and multilateral creditors, as well as political leaders, to act with courage and compassion.

Add your voice today. By signing the petition, you become part of a global call to turn debt into hope. Opt to receive updates to see how your signature will help drive change in 2025 and beyond. Together, let us respond to the call for a more just and compassionate world.

Further information: turndebtintohope.caritas.org.