Bishop John Arnold has been elected as the next president of Caritas Europa, the network representing Catholic charitable organisations across Europe. The Bishop of Salford will begin a four-year term in May 2027, succeeding President Mgr Michael Landau while continuing in his diocesan role.

The election took place during the organisation’s Regional Conference, held in Zagreb, Croatia, from May 4-7. Caritas Europa brings together 49 organisations working in 46 countries and forms one of the seven regional bodies of the Caritas Internationalis confederation.

Bishop Arnold attended the Zagreb conference, where he learned of his election. Reflecting on the work of the Caritas network, he described its international collaboration and humanitarian reach as “truly impressive”.

“I feel very privileged to be able to take up a role in the work of Caritas at the European level,” Bishop Arnold said. “I have long been aware of the effective collaboration which exists between the Caritas agencies around the world and the impact that Caritas has on so many of the pressing issues that confront our world today.”

“Closely allied to Gospel values and to Catholic Social Teaching, Caritas confronts the poverty and conflict which impacts on the lives of so many people. It is my hope that I can assist in promoting that work.”

Responding to the announcement, Alistair Dutton, Secretary General of Caritas Internationalis, recalled travelling with Bishop Arnold to the Philippines in 2013 during his time as chair of Cafod.

“In 2013, I went to the Philippines with him, during his 12 years as chair of CAFOD, to see the devastation caused by Cyclone Haiyan and how Caritas Philippines was responding.

“Now it’s a great pleasure to welcome him back into the family in his new role. I look forward to working with him again as he takes it up at Caritas Internationalis’ General Assembly next May.”

The organisation’s next governance term will run from 2027 to 2031.

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