Grants, scholarships, mission funds enhance foundation’s service to Church
PHILADELPHIA – The Papal Foundation, whose mission is to serve the Holy Father and the Roman Catholic Church through faith, energy and financial resources, announced the approval of $14 million in grants, scholarships and humanitarian aid that will be distributed throughout the world. The Foundation’s 22-member Board of Trustees approved the investments to increase the Foundation’s service to the Church, including more than $9 million in grants requested by the Vatican for 123 projects in 64 countries.
The Papal Foundation supports global priorities identified by Pope Francis, including the construction and renovations of churches and schools as well as seminaries, convents, rectories and monasteries. In addition, grants purchase library supplies, provide lunches for orphaned children, and install modern medical equipment in hospitals in developing nations.
“These dollars address an amazing variety of requests,” said Eustace Mita, president of The Papal Foundation Board of Trustees. “The diversity of need is great, and the foundation’s ability to respond to Pope Francis’ call has made a profound impact on many lives.”
In addition to making grants in dioceses around the globe, The Papal Foundation will support 90 priests, women religious and seminarians studying in Rome through its Saint John Paul II Scholarship Program as well as provide humanitarian aid through its Mission Fund to feed the hungry, tend to the sick and provide shelter for the homeless.
“We are here to serve the global Church by investing in Pope Francis’ priorities,” said Cardinal Sean O’Malley, chairman of The Papal Foundation Board of Trustees. “Our shared goal is to serve those most in need in impoverished communities throughout the world.”
For more information about The Papal Foundation and its grants, visit thepapalfoundation.org.