Peter’s Pence reported €57.6 million in 2025 income, supporting the Pope’s mission and funding 252 aid projects in 74 countries.
Newsroom (30/06/2026 Gaudium Press ) The Peter’s Pence Fund recorded total income of €57.6 million in 2025, while expenses reached €59.8 million, resulting in a deficit of €2.2 million, according to the Fund’s 2025 Annual Disclosure.
The report emphasizes that Peter’s Pence serves as a key instrument through which Catholics and benefactors support the mission of the Holy Father and finance charitable initiatives aimed at assisting vulnerable communities around the world. Despite expenses exceeding income during the year, the disclosure notes that the shortfall was primarily attributable to fluctuations in foreign exchange rates rather than operational factors.
Donations Remain the Main Source of Support
Total donations received by the Fund amounted to €54.5 million in 2025. Contributions were generated through three principal channels: diocesan collections conducted on the Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul, direct donations from individuals, and inheritance legacies.
Dioceses remained the largest source of support, contributing €34.7 million, representing 63.6 percent of all donations received. Foundations accounted for €13 million, while private donors contributed €5.4 million and religious institutes added €1.4 million.
Geographically, the United States emerged as the leading contributor among dioceses and private individuals, providing €14.2 million. It was followed by Italy, which contributed €3.1 million, and Brazil, with €2.1 million in donations.
Supporting the Holy Father’s Apostolic Mission
During 2025, Peter’s Pence distributed a total of €54.5 million in support of the Church’s mission and charitable outreach.
The majority of these funds, €41.2 million, was allocated to activities of the Holy See that directly support the apostolic mission of the Pope. A further €13.3 million was directed toward humanitarian and charitable projects providing direct assistance to communities and individuals in need.
According to the report, the Holy See’s overall expenses related to the Pope’s mission totaled €404.5 million during the year. Peter’s Pence covered approximately 10 percent of those costs.
The initiatives supported through the Fund encompass a broad range of activities, including assistance to local Churches facing difficulties, evangelization efforts, liturgical and worship activities, the dissemination of the Pope’s messages, support for apostolic nunciatures, charitable services, protection of historic patrimony, academic and educational institutions, human development programs, scientific and cultural initiatives, and projects promoting life and family.
Humanitarian and Evangelization Projects Reach 74 Countries
Beyond its support for Vatican operations, the Peter’s Pence Fund financed 252 direct assistance projects across 74 countries, distributing a total of €13.3 million.
These initiatives were organized into three primary categories: extending the Church’s evangelizing presence, social development projects, and support for missionary and pastoral activities.
Funding was used for the construction of churches, convents, pastoral centers, classrooms, and schools. Resources also supported humanitarian assistance for Gaza, aid to local communities facing hardship, and assistance to Churches in mission territories and regions experiencing particular challenges.
Africa Receives Largest Share of Assistance
Among global regions, Africa received the largest share of direct assistance funding, obtaining €5.2 million for 73 projects. Asia followed with €3 million, while Europe received €2.6 million, the Americas received €2.4 million, and Oceania was allocated €100,000.
In Europe, the report highlights the awarding of scholarships to priests, seminarians, and religious from Africa, Latin America, and Asia to pursue studies at pontifical universities. Funding also supported humanitarian assistance for the people of Ukraine.
Call for Unity and Peace
The 2025 Annual Disclosure concludes with an appeal from Pope Leo XIV, who invited Catholics and people of goodwill to support efforts promoting dialogue and reconciliation.
“Help us, one and all, to build bridges through dialogue and encounter, joining together as one people, always at peace,” the Pope said.
The report presents Peter’s Pence as both a financial pillar of the Holy Father’s global ministry and a vehicle for humanitarian outreach, channeling donations from around the world into pastoral, educational, and charitable initiatives that reached dozens of countries throughout 2025.
- Raju Hasmukh with files from Vatican News
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