In 1956, during the civil war, the Bishops decided to establish Caritas Colombia as the coordinating body for Catholic social work.

[2][3][4] During its first years of existence, Caritas' work focused on food distributions to people in need in parishes.

[clarification needed] In the backdrop of evolving political dynamics within the country, new challenges emerged; in rural areas, the ongoing clash between guerrilla groups and armed forces prompted the Church to take initiatives to support rural families, including helping them to increase their agricultural output.

In the 1990s, urban violence caused by drug trafficking became a major issue in the country, to which the organisation adapted by starting to implement peacebuilding projects and being involved in truth and reconciliation initiatives.

[3] In 2023, Caritas Colombia implemented 62 projects in 51 geographical areas of ecclesiastical jurisdictions, with a total budget of almost 66 billion Colombian peso.