Vatican City, May 6, 2004 / 22:00 pm
Addressing the members of the U.S. based Papal Foundation this morning at the Vatican, the Holy Father said that “the generous gift of your time, talent and treasure is a concrete example of your love and commitment to the Church and the Successor of Peter.”
He thanked them for their “continued support of my pastoral ministry to the universal Church," and imparted to them his Apostolic blessing and entrusted them and their families to the care of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
The Papal Foundation is an investment fund, whose members include several cardinals and bishops, established to provide a steady source of income for the Holy See. Every year a check of several million dollars is presented to the Pope.