CV NEWS FEED // Pope Francis donated one million euros ($1,085,820 USD) to support housing assistance in the Diocese of Rome, a contribution made shortly before his hospitalization at Rome’s Gemelli Polyclinic Feb. 14 for bilateral pneumonia.
The Don Roberto Sardelli Fund will use the Pope’s donation to renovate a former clergy house, converting it into 20 apartments for those in need, Vatican News reported. The fund also assists families facing barriers to securing rental housing or struggling with rising housing costs.
The donation was initially mentioned during a Jan. 30 event at the Roman parish of San Policarpo, honoring the late Don Roberto Sardelli, who was known for his work with the poor and homeless. While the amount was not disclosed at the time, it was later confirmed in a letter from Cardinal Baldassare Reina, vicar general of the Diocese of Rome, and sent to the priests of the diocese.
Cardinal Reina linked the initiative to the upcoming Jubilee of seminarians, bishops, and priests, set to take place in June 2025, saying that it was a fitting way to offer a “concrete sign of charity and hope” in preparation for the event.
“After extensive and in-depth discussions with the Presbyteral Council, we have conceived this ‘sign of hope’ to support the Don Roberto Sardelli Fund,” he said, according to Vatican News.
He also encouraged members of the clergy to personally contribute.
Cardinal Reina said, “I hope that this decision of ours will touch the hearts of many others so that the Church of Rome can raise greater awareness and encourage more men and women to support the Sardelli Fund, actively addressing the housing emergency in our city.”
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