By CatholicPhilly Staff Report • Posted May 28, 2025

Catholic Relief Services (CRS) is urging people to contact their elected officials at the federal level to express concern about paused funding for international humanitarian and development assistance programs.

These programs serve millions of families and children abroad who are in critical need. They help pregnant women access nutritional services, farmers feed their families, and children receive medications they need to fight disease.

CRS is the official overseas emergency relief and development assistance agency of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops.

The federal government recently ceased funding for all such programs while under review, according to a flyer issued May 28 by CRS.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio issued an exception for “lifesaving humanitarian assistance,” but organizations such as CRS “are currently not able to access money to implement lifesaving programs,” CRS said.

Archbishop Nelson J. Pérez, chairman of Catholic Relief Services, said in a recent Facebook post that he was “devastated by the recent loss of funding for so many of our programs.

“For more than 80 years, CRS has been a beacon of hope for those suffering from hunger and poverty in some of the poorest regions of the globe. Its humanitarian aid initiatives are often the difference between life and death for those facing poverty, famine, war, and epidemics.”

The programs funded by the federal government and administered by CRS and other organizations have “real impacts for human life and dignity—and on U.S. national interests,” CRS said.

In addition to providing aid in emergencies, CRS aims to help people overseas build a future by providing tools they need to overcome challenges, thrive, become self-reliant, and live with dignity.

Long-term development aid from CRS helps thriving societies “contribute to greater global stability, reduce the risk of conflict, and create safer, more prosperous environments that benefit everyone, including us,” CRS said.

Through such aid, “families and communities build resilience and reduce their need for humanitarian aid in the future.”

Archbishop Pérez said, “I pray that a resolution can be found to restore this vital funding. Please join me in contacting elected federal officials today.”

CRS urged people of faith to “stand shoulder to shoulder with our sisters and brothers in need” by telling Congress to “engage with the administration to ensure humanitarian and development assistance programs can operate” while funding is ceased for review.

An easy-to-use form to contact Congress is available here, and more information about Catholic Relief Services is available at their website, CRS.org.