The awards were distributed in 42 countries and enabled 110 priests, brothers, sisters and lay people to continue their studies at 14 pontifical universities in Rome as participants in the foundation’s St. John Paul II Scholarship Program.

The Papal Foundation, a U.S.-based organization that funds Catholic projects around the world, recently announced that it had awarded $800,000 to recipients of its scholarship fund.

The awards were distributed in 42 countries and enabled 110 priests, brothers, sisters and lay people to continue their studies at 14 pontifical universities in Rome as participants in the foundation’s St. John Paul II Scholarship Program.

“Since its inception, the program has provided nearly $14 million in scholarships to more than 1,700 individuals, known as Saeman Scholars, to advance their education and prepare them to return home and take on career positions. leadership in their own country,” the foundation said in its statement. a recent press release.

Eustace Mita, chairman of the board of directors of the Papal Foundation, spoke in the press release of the creation of the foundation at the request of Pope John Paul II.

“We are inspired and committed to Saint John Paul II’s vision of preparing Catholic leaders and educators for service,” she said. “These scholarships help train those who are called to lead in developing countries, where resources for continuing leadership training are limited. »

December 5 is marked 25 years old since the foundation launched its John Paul II Scholarship Fund after John and Carol Saeman — a Denver couple — made a $5 million gift that was matched by the Papal Foundation.

The Papal Foundation is “the only charitable organization in the United States dedicated exclusively to meeting the demands of the Holy Father for the needs of the Church” and has devoted more than $225 million to causes designated by popes since its creation.

The foundation receives its funding personal money donated by his stewards of St. Peter’s, while the Holy Father designates the use of funds based on the recommendations of his nuncios or ambassadors around the world.

Cardinal Seán O’Malley, chairman of the foundation’s board of trustees, congratulated the foundation’s trustees, saying that “in a society where the gap between rich and poor continues to widen”, they “recognize their responsibility to give priority to the needs of the poor and the poor.” vulnerable.”

“These grants, scholarships and charitable initiatives are our organization’s gift to the Catholic Church,” said foundation Executive Director David Savage.

In the past year alone, the foundation has successfully supported 118 projects in more than 60 countries and announced in April that it would distribute nearly $10 million in 2024. Among the beneficiaries are efforts to “provide for basic needs such as access to clean water,” “building schools and renovating classrooms” and “translating the teachings of the Church for evangelization.”

One fellow, Sister Anna Kapounamai from India, is quoted in the release as saying that her studies in Rome are helping her in her efforts to guide young people toward healthy use of social media.

“Today, the influence of social media is growing among young people and children. … My vision is to help young people become educated and responsible users of social media, while preserving their personal and social values,” she said, thanking the Papal Foundation for its support.

In an audience with Pope Francis in April, the Holy Father praised the foundation for “strengthening) the integral development of so many people, including the poor, refugees, immigrants and, today, the number ever-increasing number of people affected by war and violence. »

“Through these various laudable initiatives,” Francis addressed the group, “you continue to help the successors of Peter to build many local Churches and to care for large numbers of the most deprived, thus fulfilling the mandates entrusted to them to the apostle through Our Lord. »