Posted April 15, 2015

Representatives of the Papal Foundation travel to Rome this week to present $15 million for support of Pope Francis’ charitable work during the coming year.

The foundation was begun in 1988 to fund charities of the Holy See, and is based in Bala Cynwyd.

“The foundation’s annual pilgrimage to Rome is always a highlight,” said the foundation’s James Coffey, “but this year we are especially grateful to be marking our 25^th year of support for the holy father and his outreach to a world in need.”

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The Papal Foundation provides Catholics in the United States with a long-term, sustainable way to fund projects of particular interest to the pope.

Since 1990 the Papal Foundation has provided $111.6 million in grants and scholarships “to educate the young, care for the marginalized and prepare women and men for a lifetime commitment to serve the Lord,” said Donald Cardinal Wuerl of Washington, who serves as chairman of the foundation. “This pilgrimage is an affirmation of our close collaboration with the Holy See, and a time of profound spiritual renewal.”

More than 130 of the foundation’s donors and their families, foundation staff and U.S. Catholic clergy are participating in the 2015 pilgrimage.

In addition to Cardinal Wuerl, the group includes: Cardinal Justin Rigali, archbishop emeritus of Philadelphia; Bishop Michael J. Bransfield of Wheeling-Charleston and Bishop David Zubik of Pittsburgh.

For more information about the Papal Foundation, its grants and scholarships, visit www.thepapalfoundation.org.