Pope Leo thanks faithful for first ‘Peter’s Pence’ collection of his pontificate

On the Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul, Pope Leo XIV offered a public expression of gratitude for the faithful’s contributions to the Peter’s Pence collection, marking the first such appeal of his pontificate.  

Addressing pilgrims gathered in Rome following his Angelus address June 29, the Pope described the offering as “a sign of communion with the Pope and participation in his apostolic ministry.”

“I heartily thank all those who, with their gifts, support my first steps as the Successor of Peter,” he said.

The Peter’s Pence tradition traces its origins to early medieval England and was revived in its current form by Pope Pius IX in the 19th century. Collected annually near the end of June, it serves as a tangible expression of communion with the Holy Father and helps fund the charitable and humanitarian initiatives of the Holy See, particularly in support of vulnerable communities and those facing crises.

The collection allows the Holy Father “to receive in order to give, and to give to those who are most in need at that time,” according to its stated mission.

CatholicVote previously reported on an Associated Press analysis suggesting that Pope Leo’s American background could help rebuild donor confidence in the wake of years of Vatican financial instability. 

AP noted long-standing concerns over transparency and deficits but noted renewed optimism tied to Pope Leo’s reputation for administrative clarity and practical leadership.

“I think the election of an American is going to give greater confidence that any money given is going to be cared for by American principles, especially of stewardship and transparency,” said Father Roger Landry, director of the Pontifical Mission Societies, the Vatican’s main missionary fundraising body in the US.

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