Vatican City, Dec 6, 2011 / 17:18 pm
Pope Benedict XVI elevated Catholic charity Aid to the Church in Need to the status of a pontifical foundation, emphasizing its decades of service.
“ACN will continue as before, in a spirit of active charity to help wherever the Church faces hardship or persecution,” the organization said Dec. 6.
“As a pastoral charity, acting in the name of the Church, it is committed to strengthening and deepening Catholic faith and moral life.”
The change in the Germany-based organization’s status means it is now under the umbrella of the Vatican.