In November 2013, Pope Francis rejuvenated a centuries-old post at the Vatican, known as the papal almoner.
The Vatican almoner dates back to the 13th century. His role was to visit the poor and hand out alms. Although the post continued to exist in modern times, it usually was assigned to an elderly Vatican priest close to retirement.
In naming Archbishop Konrad Krajewski as papal almoner, the Holy Family told him that he was to visit homes for the elderly, write check for the poor ... and sell his desk if he needed to.
Each morning Archbishop Krajewski is given a stack of letters sent to the pope, from people asking for help. Pope Francis personally selects which letters he wants his almoner to follow up on.
The almoner received funding for the work through the sale of papal blessings purchased by people on the event of a marriage, wedding anniversary, and other occasions.
On this day in 2013, Pope Francis was elected pope.
- Little Black Book, Diocese of Saginaw