VATICAN CITY, APR. 25, 2001 (Zenit.org).- John Paul II thanked the U.S.-based Papal Foundation for its support of papal charitable works, saying that as Pope he is called «to use every means at his disposal to assist and strengthen those communities most in need of spiritual and material care.»
The Holy Father on Monday greeted 70 members of the group, who came to Rome for their annual visit to the Pope. The Papal Foundation was established in 1990 by Cardinal John Krol of Philadelphia.
In his address, John Paul II emphasized that it is the responsibility of believers «to bring this gift of the Lord´s peace to others, especially those who are poor or suffering, to those who are neglected or oppressed, to those whose cries go unheeded, whose hopes always seem shattered.»
«It is for this reason, dear friends, that I am most grateful to you,» he said. «The support which you give through the Papal Foundation allows so many good works to be carried out in the name of Christ and his Church. The many programs and projects funded by grants made available by the Papal Foundation enable the Church´s Easter proclamation of joy, hope and peace to reach the ears, minds and hearts of people in many parts of the world.»
The Papal Foundation has helped fund charitable works worldwide, for victims of hurricanes, AIDS, war and other catastrophes.
