I am pleased to greet you, the members of the Papal Foundation, on your annual visit to Rome, and I welcome you with the words that our Savior spoke to his disciples after his resurrection from the dead: "Peace be with you" (Jn 20:19).

I am most grateful to all of you for your continued support of my pastoral ministry to the universal Church. Indeed, your dedication to the Papal Foundation through the generous gift of your time, talent and treasure is a concrete example of your love and commitment to the Church and the Successor of Peter.

As you return to your country, I entrust all of you to the protection of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of the Church, and I cordially impart my Apostolic Blessing to you and your families as a pledge of joy and peace in the Risen Lord.