POPE NOTES 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF JOHN XXIII'S “PACEM IN TERRIS”

Vatican City, 11 April 2013 (VIS) – This afternoon in the Clementine Hall of the Vatican, Pope Francis received members of the “Papal Foundation” during their annual visit to Rome. The “Papal Foundation” is an organization based in the United States, with headquarters near Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, that was established by Cardinal John Krol (1910–1996) to provide the Holy See with a stable source of income to finance the needs of the Church in the world.

“In the twenty-five years that have passed since the Foundation was established,” the Holy Father affirmed, “you and your associates have helped the Successor of Saint Peter by supporting a number of apostolates and charities especially close to his heart. In these years, you have contributed significantly to the growth of local Churches in developing countries by supporting, among other things, the continuing formation of their clergy and religious, the provision of shelter, medical assistance and care to the poor and needy, and the creation of much-needed educational and employment opportunities.”

The Holy Father noted that today is the 50th anniversary of John XXIII's encyclical “Pacem in Terris“ and he asked that this opportunity “serve as an incentive for your commitment to promoting reconciliation and peace at every level.”