Catholics in the Philadelphia Archdiocese confirmed their bond with Pope Benedict XVI as they gave $465,891 in this year’s Peter’s Pence collection.

Archbishop Charles Chaput received a letter of thanks for the donations on behalf of the pope from Msgr. Jean-Francois Lantheaume, the papal representative for the United States, dated Oct. 31.

The annual collection was taken up June 25-26 in archdiocesan parishes this year. It benefits the charitable works of the Holy See throughout the world.

In his letter to Archbishop Chaput, Msgr. Lantheaume wrote, “May God, who is infinitely generous, reward you and continue to bless you and the faithful under your care.”