The Papal Foundation is celebrating a significant milestone – 25 years of providing scholarships to seminarians, religious, and laypeople so they can pursue their studies in Rome through the John Paul II Scholarship Fund.

By Fr. Paweł Rytel-Andrianik and Tomasz Zielenkiewicz

Established in the United States in 1988, The Papal Foundation has expanded its global reach, supporting projects such as building schools in Africa, providing medical care in Latin America, and funding scholarships.

The 25th anniversary of the John Paul II Scholarship Fund, celebrated on December 5, has enabled nearly 2,000 individuals to pursue their studies in Rome.

A Global Mission

In 2024, The Papal Foundation backed 118 projects in over 60 countries, addressing crucial needs like clean water access, school construction, and classroom renovations.

Funds have been allocated for various projects including translating Church teachings for evangelization, restoring churches and seminaries, constructing medical facilities, and providing scholarships, all following the priorities set by the Pope.

With over $225 million dedicated to these causes since its inception, the Foundation aims to support the Popes in their pastoral and charitable endeavors around the world.

Generous donors, known as the “Stewards of Saint Peter,” make the Foundation’s projects possible through their financial contributions.

A Pivotal Year: 1998

1998 marked a significant milestone for The Papal Foundation with the launch of the John Paul II Scholarship Program.

The program originated from a conversation between Pope St. John Paul II and then-chairman Cardinal Francis O’Connor, with John and Carol Seaman providing the initial funding.

“Pope John Paul II’s request for a scholarship program was deeply personal,” Mr. Seaman shared. “He himself had been a scholarship recipient during his studies at the Angelicum in Rome. He wanted the same opportunity to be made available to other needy men and women religious and lay leaders.”

Over the past 25 years, the scholarship fund has provided $16 million to students, enabling 1,959 individuals to study in Rome.

Transforming Lives

Sister Anna Kapounamai from India, a scholarship recipient, expressed how her studies in Rome will help her better train young people in responsible social media use.

She thanked The Papal Foundation and the Seamans for their support, stating, “We extend our gratitude and prayers to The Papal Foundation and to Mr. John and Mrs. Carol Seaman for their support.”

A Call to Responsibility

Cardinal Seán O’Malley, chairman of The Papal Foundation’s Board of Trustees, emphasized the organization’s role in addressing global inequality, quoting the Gospel of Luke: “To whom much is given, much will be required.”

David Savage, the Foundation’s executive director, added, “These grants, scholarships, and charitable initiatives are our organization’s gift to the Catholic Church.”

Papal Acknowledgment

In April, members of The Papal Foundation met with Pope Francis in Rome, where he praised the Foundation’s role in supporting educational, humanitarian, and pastoral projects worldwide.

The Pope highlighted the importance of prayer and adoration in inspiring aid to those in need and expressed gratitude for the Foundation’s support in fostering solidarity and peace.

As recipients of its generosity testify, The Papal Foundation stands as a testament to the power of faith, generosity, and global cooperation in addressing the world’s most pressing challenges.