James O'Reilly
The Spanish Augustinian Luis Marín is debuting in his new role, entrusted to him by Pope Leo XIV. He is the papal almoner, which means he is the official channel through which papal charity reaches the most needy people around the world. Marin explained this mission to Vatican media.
The Church is not only theory, not only doctrine, but also practice; it is the Gospel lived out, a testimony of charity. And seeing so much generous participation is, for me, a great source of joy.
His first stop has been here: the Greek-Catholic Basilica of Saint Sophia in Rome, the central hub for sending aid to Ukraine. As you can see here, there are mountains of essential supplies being loaded onto this truck, which is the 150th shipment.
We have collected everything that might be useful, thinking especially of the needs of the most vulnerable, the sick, and children. For them, medicines, family packages, hygiene products, thermal blankets, food, and a lot of high-quality clothing have been donated.
But papal aid aid through the almoner has not only reached Ukraine. It has also gone to Lebanon, where 15,000 boxes of medicine have been sent, to be distributed by Vatican channels in the country.
Awareness-raising work is very important, to make as widely known as possible the terrible reality of war, the needs it creates, and how people can concretely collaborate to help those who suffer.
This is now his goal as Prefect of Charity and as papal almoner: to be the eyes and hands of the Pope in places where the charity of the Church is most needed.
