Haiti in 2019

Haiti is considered to be the poorest country in the western hemisphere. Natural disasters such as the devastating earthquake of 2010 or Hurricane Matthew in 2016 repeatedly cause severe devastation. This is compounded by corruption and political mismanagement.

In view of the severe economic crisis and violent protests, the Catholic Church addressed an open letter to the incumbent government in September 2019, calling on it to fulfil its responsibility for the suffering population. Of its 10 million inhabitants, nearly 55% are Catholics.

I would like to thank ACN and all the benefactors for their longstanding aid to Haiti.

Bishop Désinord Jean, vescovo di Hinche

Despite the most adverse circumstances, the number of Catholics in the country is growing. New rectories are being opened in all ten dioceses. However, most of them do not have a church, so that the services must be held outdoors. ACN provides construction and renovation assistance.

Beyond that, we particularly support the training of priests and catechists. In addition to pastoral work, the priests also look after the social and material needs of the population. Especially in rural areas and in the outskirts of cities, priests are frequently the only point of contact for those in need. Most of them live in poverty themselves, and often they do not even have electricity in their homes. ACN supports destitute priests with Mass stipends.