Trending Now - Pope Leo XIV Urges Affluent US Catholics to Continue Their Donations

WHO:

AP News - Pope Leo XIV, members of The Papal Foundation, David Savage (executive director of The Papal Foundation), Cardinal John Krol (creator of The Papal Foundation).

WHAT:

AP News - The Papal Foundation announced that 25 new families had joined it in the year since Leo’s election.

AP News - David Savage, the foundation’s executive director, stated, “The growth we’re seeing is incredibly encouraging, as it reflects a shared commitment to serve, to give, and to bring the church’s mission to life in meaningful ways across the globe.”

AP News - Pope Leo XIV encouraged wealthy U.S. Catholics to continue donating to support his charitable works.

AP News - The Papal Foundation announced that its members approved more than $15 million in grants for 2026, a record in the foundation’s 38-year history.

AP News - The foundation's grants have totaled more than $270 million over the past four decades.

AP News - The foundation approved projects including the construction or renovation of a safe school for marginalized tribal children in India and professional technical training for vulnerable women in the Philippines.

WHERE:

AP News - The meeting took place in the Apostolic Palace, Rome.

AP News - The Papal Foundation is based in the United States.

WHEN:

AP News - The Papal Foundation was created in 1988.

AP News - The meeting occurred on a Saturday.

WHY:

AP News - The election of the first U.S.-born pope has invigorated American Catholics and their donations.

AP News - The foundation's contributions remained strong during Pope Francis’ 12-year pontificate, despite other donations to the Holy See declining due to various crises.

HOW:

AP News - To become a steward of The Papal Foundation, a $1 million gift is required to support papal projects.

(UPDATED May 2, 2026 19:17 UTC)

The Papal Foundation has welcomed 25 new families since Leo's election, marking a significant milestone for the organization. David Savage, the foundation’s executive director, expressed that this growth is incredibly encouraging, highlighting a shared commitment to serve and support the church's mission worldwide. He emphasized that these new members are helping to bring the church's mission to life in meaningful ways across the globe.

--

(UPDATED May 2, 2026 17:15 UTC)

Pope Leo XIV has called on wealthy U.S. Catholics to continue their generous donations to support his charitable initiatives, as the Papal Foundation announced a record approval of more than $15 million in grants for 2026. The foundation, which has been active for 38 years, has contributed over $270 million to various projects, including the construction of a safe school for marginalized tribal children in India and professional training for vulnerable women in the Philippines. This meeting took place in the Apostolic Palace in Rome, highlighting the ongoing commitment of American Catholics to support the Church's mission, especially following the election of the first U.S.-born pope.