Pope Leo XIV Hails U.S. Donation Surge to Papal Foundation

ROME (AP) Pope Leo XIV, the first U.S.-born pontiff, urged wealthy American Catholics on Saturday to continue their donations to papal charitable initiatives, highlighting a surge in support since his election.

The Chicago native met with stewards of The Papal Foundation in the Apostolic Palace, concluding their annual pilgrimage to Rome. The foundation, established in 1988 by the late Cardinal John Krol of Philadelphia, channels funds from major U.S. donors directly to the pope's development projects worldwide. Membership as a steward requires a $1 million contribution, and the group includes all U.S. cardinals. It is governed by a board of Catholic laypeople and bishops.

In his address, Leo XIV expressed gratitude for the foundation's generosity. "It has allowed countless people to experience in a concrete fashion the goodness and kindness of God in their own communities," he said. He specifically praised scholarships that have enabled priests and nuns from impoverished nations to pursue advanced degrees at Rome's pontifical universities. Over four decades, the foundation's grants have exceeded $270 million.

The gathering coincided with announcements underscoring renewed...