Vatican City, Oct 16, 2013 / 15:02 pm
Pope Francis' Oct. 12 appointment of Monsignor Diego Ravelli as office chief of the Office of Papal Charities rounds out the bureau which delivers charity to the poor in the name of the Roman Pontiff.
Already on Aug. 3, Archbishop Konrad Krajewski, a priest of the Lódz diocese in Poland, was appointed head of the office, or almoner.
Traditionally, the pontifical almoner sends parchments with the Papal blessing to those who request them, and with the proceeds, as well as with other offerings, he sends a "modest donation" to those in need. The pontifical almoner also accompanies the Pope at official appearances and during international trips.
But under Pope Francis, Archbishop Krajewski's role is to be something more.