Vatican urges Catholics to support Pope Leo XIV’s mission with Peter’s Pence donations, aiding the Church’s global charitable works.
Newsroom, June 19, 2025, Gaudium Press – The Vatican has issued a call to Catholics worldwide, urging them to “take part in the steps of Leo XIV with your donation to Peter’s Pence,” emphasizing the importance of financial contributions to support the Holy Father’s mission in serving the universal Church. This annual collection, held in most parishes at the end of June, coincides with the solemnity of Sts. Peter and Paul on Sunday, June 29, 2025.
Peter’s Pence is a financial offering from the faithful, symbolizing support for the global needs of the Catholic Church and its charitable initiatives. According to a Vatican statement, the collection represents a gesture “of communion and participation in the pope’s mission to proclaim the Gospel, promote peace, and spread Christian charity.”
To highlight this initiative, the Secretariat for the Economy released a video showcasing the “first steps” of Pope Leo XIV as the successor to St. Peter. The video features poignant images from the early days of his pontificate, accompanied by significant quotes, including those from his inaugural address to the world from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica.
Financial data from 2023, the most recent year available, indicates that Peter’s Pence raised 48.4 million euros (approximately $55.6 million), an increase from 43.5 million euros (about $50 million) in 2022, according to the Vatican Secretariat for the Economy. Additionally, 3.6 million euros (about $4.1 million) in income from assets supplemented these donations. However, expenses for the year totaled 109.4 million euros (approximately $125.7 million), underscoring the financial challenges faced by the Holy See.
In response to these challenges, Pope Francis established the “Commissio de donationibus pro Sancta Sede” (Commission for Donations to the Holy See) on February 26, 2025. This new body aims to enhance fundraising efforts for the mission and charitable works of the Apostolic See. The commission will operate on a trial basis (“ad experimentum”) for three years, until 2028.
The Vatican encourages Catholics to contribute to Peter’s Pence, reinforcing the collection’s role in sustaining the Church’s global mission and charitable outreach.
Raju Hasmukh with files from
-Vatican Secretariat for the Economy, Financial Statement, 2023.
-Vatican Press Office, “Peter’s Pence Collection 2025,” June 2025.
-Dicastery for Communion, Video Release: “First Steps of Pope Leo XIV,” June 2025.
-Apostolic See, Decree Establishing the Commissio de donationibus pro Sancta Sede, February 26, 2025.
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