Coronavirus: Papal Almoner invites collection from "Papal Chapel" members

By Robin Gomes

The Apostolic Almoner, or the Pope’s official almsgiver, has addressed the cardinals, archbishops, bishops and prelates who are members of the “Papal Chapel”, or “Capella Papale”, inviting them to an act of solidarity during the current Holy Week.   

Because of the Covid-19 pandemic, the liturgical celebrations presided over by the Holy Father during Holy Week will be without the presence of those who, in accordance with the Motu Proprio “Pontificalis Domus”, make up the Papal Chapel.

Apostolic Almoner, Polish Cardinal Konrad Krajewski, who heads the Office of Papal Charities, has written to the members of the Papal Chapel inviting them to make a contribution to a collection, in order to share in the sufferings of “those in trial” during the current health emergency in Italy and in the Vatican. 

He described it as a sign of their closeness and special unity with the Pontiff, the Bishop of Rome, who “presides over the universal communion of charity" (Second Vatican Council, Lumen Gentium,13). 

Cardinal Krajewski said that the Holy Father will later decide on the beneficiaries of the alms collected. 

Members of the Papal Chapel assist the Pope in his functions as the spiritual head of the Church, especially in ceremonies and liturgies.