pope Francis dissolves Commission for Donations to the Holy See, Streamlines Fundraising Efforts
VATICAN CITY – Pope Francis has suppressed the Commission for donations to the Holy See, according to a chirograph issued today. The decision aims to remodel the institutional structure responsible for managing donations and strengthen the link between the Holy See and its benefactors.
The chirograph, a handwritten papal document, emphasizes that donations represent “an important aspect of a bond of unity and charity between the particular Churches and the Apostolic See, in particular from the point of view of the effective exercise of the Petrine ministry.”
The Council for the Economy,responsible for overseeing the Holy See’s administrative and financial structures,initiated the review,examining the issue and consulting experts. Following a positive evaluation of recent steps taken, the Council recommended restructuring the existing donation management system.
As a result, Pope Francis has repealed the Statute of the Commission on donations for the Holy See, invalidating any previous acts or regulations adopted by the body. All assets currently belonging to the Commission will be transferred to the Holy See.
Monsignor Giordano Piccinotti, president of the Administration of the Heritage of the Apostolic See (APSA), has been designated to oversee the liquidation of the Commission, wiht the authority to subdelegate as needed.
The Secretariat for the Economy, alongside a dedicated working group, will resolve any pending issues resulting from the commission’s termination and will keep the council for the Economy informed of its progress.
Furthermore, a new working group will be established to develop proposals regarding the broader question of fundraising for the Holy See and to define an appropriate organizational structure.The Council for the Economy will submit proposed members for this group to the Pope through the Secretariat of State.
