By Charles Igwe
The Papal Foundation, a U.S.-based organization supporting Catholic projects globally, has announced $800,000 in scholarships to 110 recipients through its St. John Paul II Scholarship Program. The awards, distributed across 42 countries, will enable priests, brothers, sisters, and laypeople to study at 14 pontifical universities in Rome.
Since the program’s inception, the foundation has provided nearly $14 million in scholarships to over 1,700 individuals, known as Saeman Scholars. These funds have been instrumental in equipping Catholic leaders and educators to serve in leadership roles in their home countries.
Eustace Mita, president of the Papal Foundation’s board of trustees, reaffirmed the foundation’s commitment to St. John Paul II’s vision. “These scholarships help train those called to lead in developing nations, where resources for leadership formation are limited,” Mita said in a press release.
This year marks 25 years since the foundation launched its scholarship fund, initially made possible by a $5 million donation from John and Carol Saeman of Denver, which was matched by the foundation.
Dedicated to meeting the needs identified by the Holy Father, the Papal Foundation has provided over $225 million to projects designated by popes since its establishment. Its funding comes from personal contributions by its Stewards of St. Peter, with the allocation of funds guided by recommendations from the Holy Father’s ambassadors worldwide.
Cardinal Seán O’Malley, chairman of the board of trustees, commended the foundation’s donors, emphasizing their commitment to prioritizing the needs of the poor and vulnerable in a world of growing inequality. David Savage, the foundation’s executive director, described the scholarships and grants as “our organization’s gift to the Catholic Church.”
In the past year, the foundation supported 118 projects in over 60 countries and announced plans to distribute nearly $10 million in 2024. These initiatives include providing access to clean water, constructing and renovating schools, and translating Church teachings for evangelization.
Among the scholarship recipients is Sister Anna Kapounamai of India, whose studies in Rome are helping her guide young people in responsible social media use. “My vision is to help young people become literate and responsible social media users while preserving their personal and social values,” she shared, expressing gratitude to the Papal Foundation.
During an audience with the foundation in April, Pope Francis praised its efforts to enhance the lives of the poor, refugees, immigrants, and those affected by war and violence. “You continue to help the successors of Peter build up local Churches and care for the less fortunate,” the Pope said, lauding the foundation’s contributions to the Church’s mission.
