Pope Leo XIV, in an audience on Saturday, encouraged some of the wealthiest U.S. Catholics to continue their generous contributions to support the church’s charitable works.
The Chicago-born pope met with members of The Papal Foundation, a prominent donor group supporting papal development projects in the developing world, during their annual pilgrimage to Rome.
Reinvigorating the U.S. Catholic Church’s Charitable Giving
During his address, Pope Leo expressed gratitude to The Papal Foundation for its ongoing generosity, which he said has allowed countless people to experience the goodness and kindness of God in tangible ways through community projects.
He highlighted the scholarships funded by the foundation that allow priests and nuns from impoverished countries to pursue advanced degrees at Rome’s pontifical universities.
Since its founding in 1988, The Papal Foundation has contributed over $270 million toward papal charitable initiatives, making a significant impact on communities around the world. Leo specifically acknowledged the foundation’s role in supporting educational opportunities for those dedicated to serving the poor.
A Boost to Church Donations Following Challenges
Although The Papal Foundation maintained strong donations during Pope Francis’ papacy, other donations to the Holy See struggled during financial challenges like the global financial crisis and the COVID-19 pandemic.
Additionally, some U.S. Catholics became disillusioned with donating due to reports of mismanagement and scandal within the Church, as well as Francis’ outspoken criticism of American-style capitalism.
However, since the election of Pope Leo XIV, there has been a noticeable resurgence in U.S. Catholic donations, particularly from the donor class. On Saturday, the foundation announced that its members had approved over $15 million in grants for 2026, marking a record high in the foundation’s 38-year history.
This surge in donations is seen as a direct result of Leo’s election, with his American heritage and English-speaking background resonating with U.S. Catholics.
Expansion of The Papal Foundation’s Membership
The foundation also reported a significant increase in membership, with 25 new families joining in the year since Leo’s election, demonstrating that his papacy has energized Catholic philanthropy.
David Savage, the foundation’s executive director, expressed his enthusiasm about the growth, calling it “incredibly encouraging” as it reflects a shared commitment to serve and support the Church’s mission globally.
The Foundation’s Impact on Global Charitable Projects
Founded by the late Cardinal John Krol of Philadelphia, The Papal Foundation enables wealthy U.S. Catholics to directly fund charitable initiatives of the pope. To become a steward of the foundation, a member must make a $1 million gift, which is then used to support a variety of papal projects.
In 2026, the foundation has approved several key projects, including the construction of a safe school for marginalized tribal children in India and the development of professional technical training programs for vulnerable women in the Philippines.
These projects are part of the foundation’s ongoing efforts to improve the lives of those in the most vulnerable communities worldwide.
The foundation’s board of trustees includes Catholic laypeople and bishops, with all U.S. cardinals serving as members. The foundation’s work exemplifies the commitment of U.S. Catholics to the mission of the Church, particularly in reaching out to those in need across the globe.
