Pope thanks Papal Foundation for contributing to his charity

(April 4, 2008) A United States-based Catholic foundation has donated over $7.5 million to Pope’s charities worldwide this year. Members of the Papal Foundation, led by its chairman Cardinal Anthony Bevilacqua, met the Pope in the Vatican on Friday presenting him the grants they have approved for his charities. The foundation approved 105 grants totalling $6,844,750.00. In addition, it has approved the sum of $692,508.00 for 67 scholarships for priests, religious and lay faithful to study at a pontifical university or institute. Hence the total assistance for this year amounts to $7,537,258.00 dollars. Since 1990, the Papal Foundation’s total gift to the Pope has exceeded $41 million. Pope Benedict thanked the group for its generous support through aid projects and scholarships which assist him in carrying out his Apostolic Ministry to the universal Church. He wished that their good works continue to multiply, filling their brothers and sisters with “the sure hope that Jesus never ceases to pour out his life for us… so that we may provide for the material and spiritual needs of the whole human family. “