Peter’s Pence 2025: €54.5 million to support Pope’s mission of charity
Vatican News
Peter’s Pence received €57.6 million in income in 2025, while expenses borne by the Fund amounted to €59.8 million, according to the 2025 Annual Disclosure.
The report explains that Peter’s Pence receives offerings made to the Holy Father in order to sustain his mission for the universal Church and support numerous initiatives in favor of those most in need.
Although expenses exceeded income by €2.2 million, the report notes that the deficit was due to fluctuations in foreign exchange rates.
Donations received amounted to €54.5 million. They came through three main channels: the diocesan collection held on the Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul, direct offerings, and inheritance legacies.
The largest share came from dioceses, which contributed €34.7 million, or 63.6 percent of the total. Private donors gave €5.4 million, while foundations contributed €13 million and religious institutes €1.4 million.
Among donations from dioceses and private individuals, the United States accounted for the largest amount, with €14.2 million, followed by Italy with €3.1 million and Brazil with €2.1 million.
Supporting the Pope’s apostolic mission
In 2025, Peter’s Pence made contributions totaling €54.5 million.
Of this amount, €41.2 million was allocated to support the activities of the Holy See in service of the Holy Father’s apostolic mission, while €13.3 million was directed toward projects providing direct assistance to those in need.
The report notes that expenses connected with supporting the Holy Father’s mission totaled €404.5 million in 2025. Peter’s Pence covered approximately 10 percent of that amount.
These activities include support for local Churches in difficulty and in specific contexts of evangelization, worship, message diffusion, apostolic nunciatures, charitable service, the preservation of historic patrimony, academic institutions, human development, education, science and culture, and initiatives related to life and family.
Projects in 74 countries
The Peter’s Pence Fund also financed 252 direct assistance projects in 74 countries, for a total of €13.3 million.
These projects were grouped into three areas: extending the evangelizing presence, social projects, and support for the evangelizing presence.
Funding included the construction of churches, convents, pastoral centers, classrooms and schools, as well as aid for Gaza, support for local communities, and assistance to Churches in mission countries and areas of special need.
Africa received the largest share of direct assistance funding, with €5.2 million for 73 projects. Asia received €3 million, Europe €2.6 million, the Americas €2.4 million, and Oceania €100,000.
The report also notes that, in Europe, several scholarships were awarded to priests, seminarians and religious from Africa, Latin America and Asia to study at pontifical universities, and humanitarian aid was provided for the Ukrainian population.
The report closes with Pope Leo XIV’s appeal: “Help us, one and all, to build bridges through dialogue and encounter, joining together as one people, always at peace.”
