Prefect of the Vatican Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development, Cardinal Michael Felix Czerny SJ, will visit Bangladesh from 1 to 5 November.
During the visit, Cardinal Czerny will meet Rohingya refugees in Cox's Bazar, as well as street children, indigenous people and internally displaced people.
He will also hold meetings with the Catholic Bishops' Conference of Bangladesh (CBCB), members of the CBCB's Justice and Peace Commission, and other Christian and interfaith leaders, according to a press release issued by the Episcopal Commission for Justice and Peace.
His visit, centred on the theme "Raising Hope to Foster a Culture of Care" reflects the Catholic Church's mission to promote justice, peace and dignity for all, especially marginalised communities, including internally displaced persons, climate migrants and refugees.
A Jesuit born in Czechoslovakia and raised in Canada, Cardinal Czerny has served the Vatican in various roles since 2010. He currently leads the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development, responsible for addressing global concerns such as migration, climate change, poverty and humanitarian crises.
Accompanying him on this visit are his Secretary Fr Joseph Savarimathu, and the Regional Coordinator for Asia Mainland Francesca Dona.
The visit aims to promote climate justice, ethical leadership and spiritual reflection, while conveying Pope Francis' solidarity with the people of Bangladesh.
The historic visit is expected to draw international attention to Bangladesh's pressing challenges, including climate change, refugee crises and poverty.
It may also strengthen partnerships between the Church and local institutions in promoting education, healthcare and social justice, while fostering interfaith dialogue and inspiring hope among diverse communities, the release added.