Pope Leo XIV has issued a papal decree entitled Vinculum unitatis et caritatis , by which he abolishes the Commissio de donationibus pro Sancta Sede (Commission for Donations for the Holy See). This decision, signed on September 29, 2025, and made public on December 4 of the same year, comes just ten months after the commission’s creation by his predecessor, Pope Francis. The papal document seeks to restructure the institutional framework dedicated to fundraising, emphasizing prudence, efficiency, and transparency in the management of assets, as established by the Apostolic Constitution Praedicate Evangelium.

Historical context of the commission

The Commission for Donations to the Holy See was established by Pope Francis on February 11, 2025, during his hospitalization at the Gemelli Polyclinic in Rome, and made public on February 26. Chaired by Monsignor Roberto Campisi—who had previously served as advisor for General Affairs of the Secretariat of State and was appointed, on September 27, 2025, Permanent Observer of the Holy See to UNESCO, extending his role to Catholic International Organizations—the commission was composed of five members. Its primary mandate was to encourage donations through campaigns targeting the faithful, Episcopal Conferences, and benefactors, as well as to obtain voluntary funding for projects of the institutions of the Roman Curia and the Governorate of Vatican City State. This was done without prejudice to the autonomy of these entities.

The aim was to strengthen the vinculum unitatis et caritatis  —the bond of unity and charity—between the particular Churches and the Apostolic See, facilitating the effective exercise of the Petrine ministry through voluntary contributions. However, in less than a year, the Council for the Economy—responsible for overseeing the administrative and financial structures and activities of the Holy See—evaluated the commission’s initial steps positively but recommended a restructuring to better adapt it to current needs.

The papal chirograph: reasons and provisions

The document Vinculum unitatis et caritatis begins by acknowledging the importance of donations as a key aspect of the bond of unity and ecclesial charity. After consultations with the Council for the Economy and experts in the field, and in accordance with Article 207 of  Praedicate Evangelium  —which regulates the protection of assets, the mitigation of patrimonial risks, and the efficient allocation of human and financial resources—Pope Leo XIV approved the suppression of the commission.

The key provisions of the document are as follows:

1. Immediate suppression : The Commissio de donationibus pro Sancta Sede is extinguished as of the promulgation of the chirograph.
2. Abrogation of statutes and acts : The Statute of the commission, approved ad experimentum for three years on February 11, 2025, is repealed, along with all acts and regulations adopted to date, thus losing its canonical or legal force.
3. Termination of duties : The members of the commission immediately cease to hold their positions.
4. Destination of assets : All assets belonging to the commission are destined for the Holy See. The president of the Administration of the Patrimony of the Apostolic See (APSA), Monsignor Giordano Piccinotti, is authorized to proceed with the liquidation, with the possibility of sub-delegating this authority, in accordance with current regulations.
5. Resolution of outstanding issues : The Secretariat for the Economy, in collaboration with a working group appointed by it, will be responsible for resolving any remaining issues after the dissolution. This Secretariat will keep the Council for the Economy informed of the actions taken.
6. Creation of a new working group : A group will be formed to formulate proposals on general fundraising for the Holy See and to define an appropriate institutional structure. The Council for the Economy will propose the names of its members, which will be submitted to the Roman Pontiff through the Secretariat of State.

The chirograph orders its promulgation in L’Osservatore Romano, with immediate entry into force, and its subsequent publication in the Acta Apostolicae Sedis.

Implications and future perspectives

This elimination represents a swift adjustment in Vatican financial governance, highlighting the flexibility of Leo XIV’s pontificate in responding to the recommendations of his advisory bodies. By reassigning liquidation functions to the APSA and preparing a new framework for fundraising, the Pope seeks more integrated and transparent management, aligned with the principles of Praedicate Evangelium. While the commission’s initial efforts were positively received, the restructuring aims for greater efficiency in fostering voluntary donations, essential for sustaining the Holy See’s missions.

In a context of global challenges for Church institutions, this measure could lay the groundwork for a more agile and collaborative structure, strengthening the bond between local Churches and Rome. Catholic faithful and benefactors will be watching closely how this new approach takes shape in the coming months.

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