Abstract

The John Paul II Foundation in Rome was established by papal decree of October 16, 1981, as a non-profit organization with the primary goals of supporting educational, scientific, cultural, religious, and charitable initiatives related to the pontificate of John Paul II. The Foundation's official headquarters is in the Vatican. Its main agencies are: the Foundation's Secretariat in the Vatican; the Polish House in Rome for pilgrims, along with its Museum; the Center for Documentation and Research of the John Paul II Pontificate, including the Library and Archives (currently being relocated from the Polish House to the center of Rome); and the Foundation’s House in Lublin for young people – scholarship recipients of the scholarship program from the former Soviet Union and Eastern Europe.

The Foundation is able to fulfill its mission only thanks to the generosity of its members worldwide. Most donors are already members of associations, circles, and friends of the John Paul II Foundation. Currently, as of 2024, there are 47 circles and associations of friends of the Foundation in 18 countries on five continents, including the United States, Canada, Great Britain, Germany, Italy, Spain, Portugal, Brazil, Argentina, Mexico, Colombia, Peru, Chile, the Philippines, Japan, South Korea, Indonesia, and Poland.

The John Paul II Foundation is able to pursue the goals and activities set for it by John Paul II thanks to the ongoing spiritual and financial support of members of the Foundation's Circles of Friends. The John Paul II Foundation is always ready to cooperate with organizations and institutes that promote and disseminate the teachings of John Paul II in unity with the Holy Church.