Changes in the Office of the Almoner of His Holiness

Pope Benedict XVI appointed Archbishop Felix del Blanco Prieto, apostolic nuncio to Malta and to Libya, as almoner of His Holiness. Archbishop Oscar Rizzato, who has been holding the office since 1990, resigned upon having reached the age limit.CZECH

Vatican: On Saturday 28 Jul 2007, Pope Benedict XVI appointed new almoner of His Holiness, Archbishop Felix Blanco Prieto, 70, apostolic nuncio to Malta and Libya, because Archbishop Oscar Rizzato, who had been the almoner since 1990, resigned at the age of 78.

The office of 'the Almoner of His Holiness' has existed since the 13th century and he is in charge of responding to individual requests for assistance with expenses like medical or utility bills and rent. In addition, the office provides continuing grants to several agencies in Rome, including a Vatican-based paediatric medical clinic, an organization that provides clothing and diapers for newborn infants, a residence for foreign students, a home for recently released prisoners and a centre for immigrants.

The almoner's funds come both from donations given directly to Pope Benedict and from the fees and donations people give the almoner's office in exchange for decorative parchments attesting to a papal blessing.