Local charitable foundation reflects on Pope Leo XIV and what he means to the church

(WPHL) — A local charitable foundation in Chester, Pennsylvania, works to fulfill their requests of the Holy Father for the needs of the church.

Now that the conclave has concluded and the world has met Pope Leo XIV, the first American Pope, the feeling of excitement can be felt throughout the world.

PHL17’s Monica Cryan spoke to Ward Fitzgerald, President of the Board of Trustees for the The Papal Foundation, to learn about this news and what it means to the world.

“The Papal Foundation joins Catholics around the world in celebrating the election of our new Holy Father, Pope Leo XIV.

We offer prayers of love and gratitude as Pope Leo XIV prepares to lead the faithful of the Universal Catholic Church.  We know and trust that with the guidance of the Holy Spirit,  Pope Leo XIV will have the grace to be the leader that we need at this particular time in the life of the Church.

Now that our Church has a new Peter, we pray for the grace for each of us to live and serve like Paul, to share Christ’s love with the world on behalf of the Holy Father and to fulfill our mission to bring together laity, clergy and Church hierarchy to serve the poor, vulnerable and marginalized in developing nations throughout the world.

Since its founding, The Papal Foundation has served the successor of St. Peter, providing grants to orphanages, hospitals, and schools, as well as scholarships for priests and women religious, and humanitarian aid to care for those in need and to grow the Catholic faith. Our Stewards of St. Peter look forward to embracing this continued opportunity – our call – to be Paul and to serve Pope Leo XIV, by providing for those most in need around the globe,” said Fitzgerald in a statement.