Pope Francis thanks Papal
Foundation for generosity
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| Pope Francis with members of the Papal Foundation (Vatican Media) |
Pope Francis meets with members of The Papal Foundation on
Friday, and thanks them for their support and for spreading the Gospel message
of hope and mercy.
By Devin Watkins
The Papal Foundation is comprised of American Catholics who
dedicate financial resources to supporting the Pope and various projects
throughout the world.
Pope Francis welcomed their support on Friday, in an address
to its members who are on pilgrimage to Rome.
“It is a joy for me to be with you once again and to express
my gratitude for the generous support you offer to me and to the Church in so
many parts of the world,” he said.
The Holy Father prayed that their pilgrimage to the tombs of
the apostles and martyrs, occurring during the Easter Season, strengthen them
in their “fidelity to the Lord and his Church.”
The group was accompanied to the meeting by the Chairman of
The Papal Foundation, Cardinal Seán O'Malley.
Spirit of fraternity and peace
Founded in 1990, The Papal Foundation has extended over $156
million in grants and scholarships to prepare leaders for the Church and to
care for vulnerable people around the world, according to their website.
Pope Francis said the Foundation has contributed greatly “to
the fostering of a spirit of fraternity and peace.”
“Through your support of various educational, charitable and
apostolic projects, as well as the scholarships made available to lay men and
women, those living the consecrated life and priests, you give witness to the
untiring efforts of the Church to promote the integral development of the human
family,” he said.
Message of hope and mercy
The Foundation’s work, said Pope Francis, helps contrast violence,
poverty, and indifference with “the Gospel message of hope and of mercy to all
who benefit from your commitment and generosity.”
He thanked them for their support, and prayed that they be
renewed in their purpose to build the Church in unity and extend her charity to
those most in need.
Solidarity with Peter
“The mission of The Papal Foundation is linked in solidarity
with the Successor of Peter.”
Pope Francis asked its members to pray for him and his
ministry, and for the needs of the Church, the spread of the Gospel, and the
conversion of hearts.
“I entrust all of you, together with your families, to the
loving intercession of Mary, Mother of the Church, and I cordially impart my
Apostolic Blessing as a pledge of joy and peace in Christ our Risen Savior.”
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