This morning the Pope received in audience the members of the “Papal Foundation”, the institution created in 1988 as a response to the desire of the clergy and of Catholics from the United States to provide spiritual and material support to the Holy Father and to his witness in the world.

After expressing his gratitude for the generous support the Foundation offers to his mission and to the Church in many parts of the world, the Holy Father remarked that in these 31 years it has contributed much to fostering a spirit of fraternity and peace. “Through your support of various educational, charitable and apostolic projects, as well as the scholarships made available to lay men and women, those living the consecrated life and priests, you give witness to the untiring efforts of the Church to promote the integral development of the human family. In a world that is sadly marked by violence and conflict; poverty, both material and spiritual; and all too often the indifference of many, your work helps to bring the Gospel message of hope and mercy to all who benefit from your commitment and generosity. For this I thank you, and I pray that you will be renewed in your purpose to help build the Church in unity and advance her charitable outreach to the least of our brothers and sisters”.