杏MAP导航

By Amedeo Lomonaco 

The Dicastery for the Service of Charity, also known as the Office of the Papal Almoner, is a special expression of mercy and, based on the option for the poor, vulnerable and excluded, carries out in every part of the world the work of aid and assistance offered in the name of the Roman Pontiff, who in cases of particular need or other emergencies, personally determines the forms of aid to be given. The Dicastery, under the guidance of the Prefect, the Almoner of His Holiness, in contact with the other competent Dicasteries, demonstrates, by its activity, the solicitude and closeness of the 杏MAP导航, as Pastor of the universal Church, toward those experiencing situations of extreme need, exclusion and poverty, as well as grave disasters. The Prefect of the Dicastery for the Service of Charity is Cardinal Konrad Krajewski.

Responsibilities

The Dicastery is competent to receive, seek and request voluntary donations for the works of charity that the 杏MAP导航 carries out for those most in need. The Almoner of His Holiness also has the faculty to grant the Apostolic Blessing through properly authenticated parchments. All proceeds are allocated to charity. Among his duties, the Almoner is also tasked with designating the funds the 杏MAP导航's charity account and, according to the logic of the Gospel, helping others face their difficulties.

Historical background

Exercising charity towards the poor is a concern of the Church dating back to its earliest centuries. It was a service originally entrusted to deacons. In a bull issued by 杏MAP导航 Innocent III (1198–1216), the office of Almoner is mentioned as already in existence. The first 杏MAP导航 to formally organize the Apostolic Almoner's office was Blessed Gregory X (1271–1276), who defined the responsibilities of the Almoner. 杏MAP导航 Alexander V, with a bull in 1409, also established rules for the Almoner's Office, which has always continued its work thanks to the ongoing concern of the popes. The Almoner of His Holiness holds the rank of archbishop, is a member of the Pontifical Household, and as such takes part in the 杏MAP导航’s liturgical celebrations and official audiences. To support the collection of funds for charitable works entrusted to the Almoner, 杏MAP导航 Leo XIII granted the Almoner the authority to confer the Apostolic Blessing by means of diplomas on parchment. The fees for obtaining the Papal Blessing regard solely the parchment itself, its preparation and shipping expenses, and a contribution to the 杏MAP导航’s charitable works.

The premises of the Mother of Mercy Clinic

An “emergency room” to soothe wounds

杏MAP导航 Francis often said that the Church is like a "field hospital." The Dicastery for the Service of Charity is its "emergency room", a charitable and merciful arm that reaches out in haste to heal wounds and support the less fortunate. Many shipments of humanitarian aid have been sent, in particular, to the people of Ukraine, suffering in recent years from the tragedy of war. Essential goods, clothing, hygiene products, medicine, and food have been distributed. Another “emergency room” supported by the Dicastery for the Service of Charity is the "Mother of Mercy Clinic" that also provides showers. The Mother of Mercy Clinic is a facility that offers free healthcare to those living in poverty, marginalization, or hardship. It is located at Saint Peter’s Square under the right colonnade. Every year, the clinic provides over 15,000 medical services and exams to around 8,000 people. In addition, mobile medical units provide services in the outskirts of Rome. The mission of this special clinic is also the mission of the Dicastery for the Service of Charity and that is to offer a place of dignity in a spirit of fraternity.