CV NEWS FEED // The Papal Foundation, a U.S.-based Catholic charitable organization, announced this week it will disburse over $14 million in grants and humanitarian assistance to support the Holy Father’s priorities and aid Catholic communities in developing nations.
The announcement, according to an emailed press release, includes $10,032,000 in grants for 116 projects across more than 60 countries, and an additional $4 million in emergency aid from its mission fund. The mission fund provides critical humanitarian aid, including food, shelter, and medical care in crisis areas.
Funding will support a range of initiatives, including access to clean water and housing, education improvements, church and seminary restoration, healthcare facility construction, and care for elderly clergy.
“These investments are at the heart of our mission to bring the love of Christ to those most in need,” said Ward Fitzgerald III, the newly elected board president of the foundation.
The grants, he noted, are a tribute to Pope Francis’ legacy of compassion and solidarity with the vulnerable.
“The Stewards of Saint Peter are honored to support the Holy Father’s vision, responding to urgent needs across the globe—from orphaned children and expectant mothers to the elderly and disabled,” he added. “Each grant reflects a prayerful commitment to care for the vulnerable, strengthen the Church, and share the hope of the Gospel in developing nations.”
This year, the foundation also elected Cardinal Timothy Dolan, Archbishop of New York, as board chairman. Together, Cardinal Dolan and Fitzgerald will lead a pilgrimage to Rome from April 29 to May 3 to commemorate the Jubilee Year.
The foundation supports academic formation through the Saint John Paul II Scholarship Program. This year, $800,000 in scholarships will allow over 100 priests, women religious, and seminarians to pursue studies in Rome.
Since its founding, the foundation has provided over $250 million in aid to more than 2,800 Church initiatives, with projects chosen by Popes Francis, Benedict XVI, and Saint John Paul II.
“Each grant, each scholarship, and every act of support is a tangible sign of the Church’s love in action,” Executive Director David Savage said. “Through this shared mission of faith, we unite laity, clergy, and Church leadership in service to the Holy Father’s vision—strengthening the global Church and uplifting its most vulnerable members.”
The post Papal foundation commits $14 million to Global Catholic Aid and Development appeared first on CatholicVote org.