Caritas Italy, Jesuits suspend activities in Afghanistan

VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Caritas Italy announced the suspension of charitable activities in Afghanistan in the wake of the Taliban's takeover of the country. In a statement released Aug. 15, Caritas said the "instability of the situation has led to the suspension of all activities" and has increased fears "of maintaining a presence in the future, as well as for the safety of the few Christian Afghans" in the country. The Jesuits, who have been in Afghanistan since 2004, have also suspended their mission in the country "indefinitely." Speaking on the condition of anonymity, a Jesuit priest in New Delhi told ucanews.com Aug. 17 that two Jesuit priests are among many Indian nationals in Afghanistan waiting for their government's evacuation flights. The Jesuit priests "are so far safe and are ready to fly to India" when flights resume, the unnamed priest said. Four Missionaries of Charity nuns are also awaiting evacuation from the country.