Rome: A delegation from The Papal Foundation has embarked on a significant pilgrimage to Rome, reaffirming its commitment to supporting the poor and strengthening the global mission of the Catholic Church. Representatives from the United States and Canada are participating in the visit, which combines spiritual renewal with high-level discussions at the Vatican, including a central audience with Pope Leo XIV.
The pilgrimage, scheduled from April 29 to May 2, is designed as both a faith-filled journey and a strategic engagement with the institutions of the Holy See. The program includes the celebration of Mass, institutional meetings, and visits to key Vatican offices, reflecting the Foundation’s dual focus on spiritual formation and global outreach.
The opening day set a reflective tone, with a solemn Mass at St. Mary of the Angels, presided over by Archbishop James Checchio. In his homily, he called on the faithful to embrace their role as witnesses to the Risen Christ, urging them to actively live out their mission as apostles in today’s world.
On the following day, the delegation turned its attention to the Vatican’s communication efforts, touring Vatican Radio and Vatican News. The visit included interactions with key figures such as Paolo Ruffini, Andrea Tornielli, Nataša Govekar, and Sister Nina Krapić. Discussions centered on the Church’s evolving communication strategy, including the introduction of a new Vatican News digital widget aimed at enhancing evangelization and fostering global connectivity among the faithful.
As part of their broader itinerary, members of the Foundation also known as the Stewards of St. Peter visited the US Embassy to the Holy See, highlighting the intersection of faith, diplomacy, and humanitarian cooperation.
During a formal reception in Rome, the mission and achievements of the Foundation were presented. Its president, Ward Fitzgerald, emphasized the organization’s core purpose: serving the Holy Father and advancing the mission of the Church by mobilizing faith, financial resources, and collective goodwill to assist the most vulnerable.
The scale of the Foundation’s humanitarian work was underscored by Vice President Tim Ristoff, who highlighted its extensive support, particularly across Africa. Since 1997, the Foundation has funded hundreds of development projects worth tens of millions of dollars, alongside humanitarian grants and scholarships that have enabled thousands of students to pursue education through the Saint John Paul II Scholarship Program.
Leadership within the organization reaffirmed that these initiatives are deeply rooted in the universal mission of the Church. Cardinal Timothy Dolan noted that the Foundation’s work translates faith into action by providing tangible assistance to communities in need. This includes rebuilding churches, supporting schools and orphanages, strengthening healthcare systems, and caring for children and marginalized populations.
Operating in more than 130 countries, the Foundation has distributed over 270 million dollars since its establishment in 1988, making it a vital partner in the Church’s global charitable efforts. Its projects consistently prioritize those at the margins of society, particularly children and communities facing poverty and exclusion.
The Rome gathering also highlighted the Foundation’s continued growth. Over the past 18 months, the addition of new donor families has significantly boosted its capacity, bringing it closer to achieving its long-term fundraising targets.
The visit to the Vatican stands as a powerful reaffirmation of unity between the Foundation and the Holy See. It not only strengthens institutional ties but also renews a shared commitment to serve the poor, reflecting the enduring mission of the Church to bring hope and dignity to those most in need.