Their mission is to walk the paths of charity in the name of the Pope.

The Dicastery for the Service of Charity, also known as the Apostolic Almoner’s Office, is a special expression of mercy: based on the preferential option for the poor, the vulnerable, and the excluded, it carries out the work of assistance and aid toward them throughout the world in the name of the Pope. In cases of particular destitution or other need, the Pope personally allocates aid to those in need. The Dicastery, under the guidance of the Prefect, the Almoner of His Holiness, is in contact with other Dicasteries competent in this specific area and, through its activities, makes concrete the concern and closeness of the Pope, as Pastor of the universal Church, toward those who live not only in situations of destitution, marginalization, or poverty, but also those afflicted by grave calamities. The Prefect of the Dicastery for the Service of Charity is Cardinal Konrad Krajewski.

Skills

The Dicastery for the Service of Charity is responsible for receiving, soliciting, and requesting voluntary donations for the charitable works that the Pope carries out for the most needy. The Papal Almoner also has the authority to grant the Apostolic Blessing by means of duly authenticated certificates on parchment paper. All funds collected are used for charity. Among his duties, the Almoner is also responsible for managing the Holy Father’s charitable fund and, in accordance with the Gospel, assisting others in facing difficulties.

Brief historical notes

Exercising charity towards the poor is a concern of the Church that dates back to the earliest centuries. This service was part of the direct responsibilities of deacons. A Bull of Innocent III (1198-1216) mentions the Almoner as an existing office. The Pope who first systematically organized the Office of Papal Charities was Blessed Gregory X (1271-1276), who established the Almoner’s duties. Alexander V, with a Bull of 1409, also regulated the norms of the Office of Papal Charities, which has always carried out its work thanks to the continuous requests of the Popes. The Almoner of His Holiness holds archiepiscopal dignity, is a member of the Papal Household, and, as such, participates in liturgical celebrations and official audiences with the Pope. Leo XIII, in order to encourage fundraising for the charitable works entrusted to the Office of Papal Almoner, delegated to the Almoner the authority to grant the Apostolic Blessing by means of diplomas on parchment paper. The costs indicated for granting the Papal Blessing refer only to the diploma, the expenses of its preparation and mailing, and a contribution to the Pope’s charity.

An “emergency service” to relieve wounds

Pope Francis often said that the Church is like a “field hospital.” The Dicastery for the Service of Charity is its Emergency Department, a charitable and merciful arm that must rush to heal the wounds and support the less fortunate. There have been many shipments, in particular, of aid destined for the people of Ukraine, shaken at this time by the tragedy of war. Essential goods, clothing, hygiene products, medicine, and food have been distributed. Another “emergency service” supported by the Dicastery for the Service of Charity is the Mother of Mercy outpatient clinic and its shower service.

The Mother of Mercy Clinic is a facility that provides free healthcare to those living in poverty, marginalization, or hardship. Located in St. Peter’s Square, under the right portico, it offers over 15,000 healthcare services annually to approximately 8,000 people. In addition, it provides numerous mobile healthcare services in outlying areas of the city. The mission of this unique clinic is also that of the Dicastery for the Service of Charity: to be a place of dignity in the spirit of fraternity.

(Translation made while maintaining fidelity to the original text published in  Vatican News  )

1. State Secretariat
2. Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith
3. Dicastery for Bishops
4. Dicastery for the Clergy
5. Dicastery for the Service of Charity