After World War II, Caritas Sweden was founded in 1946 by Bishop Johannes Erik Müller [sv; no; de].

At the same time, its international aid efforts were directed to Eastern Europe, where Stalin's hardening religious policy created great difficulties for the Catholics behind the Iron Curtain.

Over time, the international aid work became more specialised, focussing on HIV/AIDS, human rights, and democracy issues, with a particular emphasis on the situation of women.

As a result, the leadership of the Catholic diocese decided shut down Caritas Sweden as an association, including all overseas development activities.

Local Caritas groups visited the elderly and sick, organised soup kitchens for the homeless, and arranged activities for the lonely.

At the express wish of the bishop, Cardinal Anders Arborelius, great importance was placed on supporting and encouraging the Catholic parishes to build up their own charitable work at the local level.

[11] Caritas Sweden also coordinates the efforts of its volunteers, who implement activities such as collecting clothes, distributing food, and running language classes.