Papal Foundation hits record $15M in grants under Pope Leo XIV's leadership

The Papal Foundation has marked a year of growth and record funding since Pope Leo XIV’s election. On Saturday, the Pope met with members in Rome to express his gratitude for their ongoing support. The foundation, established in 1988, has now contributed over $270 million to Vatican initiatives across four decades.

Founded by the late Cardinal John Krol of Philadelphia, The Papal Foundation is led by a board of Catholic laypeople and bishops. Its mission includes funding scholarships for priests and nuns from impoverished nations, enabling them to study at Rome’s pontifical universities.

This year, the foundation approved a historic $15 million in grants for 2026—the highest amount in its 38-year history. Among the funded projects are a safe school for marginalised tribal children in India and vocational training for vulnerable women in the Philippines. Membership in the foundation requires a $1 million donation, and 25 new families have joined since Pope Leo’s election. The Pope personally thanked the organisation for its generosity, highlighting how its work has allowed many to experience support and compassion.

The foundation’s latest grants bring its total contributions to more than $270 million over 40 years. With new members and expanded projects, its financial backing continues to grow. The approved initiatives for 2026 will directly assist communities in India, the Philippines, and beyond.