Pope Leo XIV Dissolves Vatican Donations Commission

Pope Leo XIV has suppressed a Vatican donations commission less than 10 months after it was established by his predecessor, Pope Francis.The decision, formalized through a chirograph released by the Vatican on December 4, 2025, signals a change in approach to fundraising for the Holy See.

Background: The Donations Commission

Established on February 11, 2025, by Pope Francis – just days before his hospitalization and eventual passing – the Commissio de donationibus pro Sancta Sede was tasked with bolstering Vatican finances through increased donations and offerings [[1]]. The commission aimed to encourage donations through targeted campaigns directed at the faithful, bishops’ conferences, and potential benefactors, emphasizing the importance of financial support for the Church’s mission and charitable works.

The Suppression and New Directive

The Vatican’s decision to dissolve the commission came on the recommendation of the Council for the Economy, following a thorough review of its structure and effectiveness [[1]]. Pope leo XIV signed the chirograph on September 29, 2025, officially abolishing the commission and revoking its statutes. All previous acts and regulations enacted by the commission have also been repealed.

In place of the commission, a new working group will be formed to develop a comprehensive strategy for fundraising at the Holy See. This group will be proposed to Pope Leo XIV by the Vatican’s Council for the Economy, operating through the Secretariat of State.

Personnel Changes

Msgr. Roberto Campisi, the former president of the dissolved commission and previously the Vatican Secretariat of State’s assessor for general affairs, has been appointed by pope Leo XIV as the Holy see’s permanent observer to UNESCO [[2]]. This appointment is notable as it represents a shift from the tradition of assigning former assessors for general affairs to episcopal positions as nuncios.

The assets previously held by the donations commission will be transferred to the Holy See and the liquidation process will be overseen by Archbishop Giordano Piccinotti, president of the Administration of the Patrimony of the Apostolic See (APSA) [[1]]. APSA functions as the Vatican’s sovereign wealth manager and central bank.

Broader Financial Revisions

The dissolution of the donations commission is part of a series of financial adjustments undertaken by Pope Leo XIV since his election in May 2025. The Vatican announced on October 6, 2025, that Pope leo had revoked a 2022 rescript from Pope Francis requiring all curial assets to be managed under APSA and the Institute for Works of Religion [[1]]. Furthermore, Pope Leo overturned his predecessor’s decision to abolish the central sector of the Diocese of Rome, announced in November 2024.

Vatican Finances: A Recent Upturn

Despite ongoing financial challenges, a Vatican financial statement released on November 26, 2025, reported a significant increase in income and a near halving of the Vatican’s structural budget deficit [[1]]. Though,the Vatican’s lay employee association expressed skepticism,suggesting the positive results were driven by one-time gains rather than enduring improvements.

Pope Leo XIV, however, has expressed a more optimistic outlook on Vatican finances than his predecessor, stating, “I’m not losing sleep over it” [[3]].

Pope Leo XIV Dissolves Vatican Donations Commission

published: 2025/12/04 23:33:23

Pope Leo XIV has suppressed the Commission of Donations for the Holy See, less than ten months after its establishment by his predecessor, Pope Francis. The decision,formalized through a chirograph signed on September 29, 2025, indicates a re-evaluation of fundraising strategies within the Vatican.

Background of the Commission

Pope Francis initially created the Commissio de donationibus pro Sancta Sede in February 2025, just days before being hospitalized, with the aim of bolstering Vatican finances through increased donations and offerings.The commission was intended to be a permanent body dedicated to encouraging contributions from the faithful, bishops’ conferences, and other potential benefactors, as well as raising funds for specific projects within the Roman Curia and the Governorate of Vatican City State.

Reasons for Suppression

The Vatican stated that the suppression followed a recommendation from the Council for the Economy, which conducted a thorough review of the commission’s structure and effectiveness. A working group will now be formed to develop new proposals for fundraising, reporting to Pope Leo XIV through the Council for the Economy and the Secretariat of State.

Changes in Leadership and Asset Management

The dissolution of the commission also involved personnel changes. Msgr. Roberto Campisi, the commission’s former president and previously the Vatican Secretariat of State’s assessor for general affairs, has been appointed as the Holy See’s permanent observer to UNESCO . The commission’s assets will be managed by Archbishop Giordano Piccinotti, president of the Administration of the Patrimony of the Apostolic see (APSA), the Vatican’s financial authority.

Broader Financial Revisions Under Pope Leo XIV

This move is part of a series of financial adjustments made by Pope Leo XIV since his election in May 2025.He has also revoked a 2022 rescript from pope Francis that centralized curial assets under APSA and overturned a decision to abolish a sector of the Diocese of Rome.

Vatican finances: Recent Developments

Despite these changes, a recent vatican financial statement released on November 26, 2025, reported a significant increase in income and a near halving of the Vatican’s structural budget deficit. However, the Vatican’s lay employee association expressed skepticism, suggesting the positive results were driven by one-time gains rather than sustainable improvements.