Pope Francis meets with members of the Papal Foundation in Vatican City on April 17, 2015. The Papal Foundation began in 1988 as an endowment to strengthen the Holy Father’s ability to fulfill the mission of Saint Peter.

Pope Francis meets with members of the Papal Foundation in Vatican City on April 17, 2015. The Papal Foundation began in 1988 as an endowment to strengthen the Holy Father’s ability to fulfill the mission of Saint Peter.

Eustace Mita, president of The Papal Foundation’s Board of Trustees, said that Pope Francis’ visit to the Middle East and his call to rebuild Catholic buildings in the region, as well as his message of a unified Christian community, influenced the work done by the foundation.