Pope thanks Papal Foundation for contributing to his charity efforts

(April 21.2012) Pope Benedict XVI on Friday thanked a US-based Catholic organization for its contribution to his charitable projects in the poor nations across the globe. A delegation of some 120 members of the Pennsylvania-based Papal Foundation met the Pope in the Vatican to donate $8.5 million to his charity fund. “Through the work of the Papal Foundation, you help to further the Church’s mission of evangelization, promote the education and integral development of our brothers and sisters in poorer countries, and advance the missionary endeavours of so many dioceses and religious congregations throughout the world,” the Pope said in appreciation for the foundation’s gesture. The Pope also urged for prayers for the needs of the universal Church and in particular for the freedom of Christians to proclaim the Gospel and bring its light to the urgent moral issues of our time. Furthermore, the Holy Father encouraged the members of the Papal Foundation on the path of holiness offering them as models the future North American saints, Blessed Kateri Tekakwitha and Blessed Mother Marianne Cope. He said they are striking examples of sanctity and heroic charity, but they also remind us of the historic role played by women in the building up of the Church in America.