Benedict XVI appoints 'almoner'

THE FACE of Pope Benedict XVI's small-scale assistance to the poor is about to change.
Pope Benedict has named Spanish Archbishop Felix Blanco Prieto, currently nuncio to Malta and Libya, to be his new almoner, the official in charge of responding to individual requests for assistance with expenses like medical or utility bills and rent.
The office of "the Almoner of His Holiness" has existed since the 13th century. Archbishop Blanco Prieto, 70, was named at the weekend to succeed Archbishop Oscar Rizzato, who was retiring at the age of 78. The archbishop had been the almoner since 1990. In addition to responding to individual requests for emergency assistance, the office provides continuing grants to several agencies in Rome, including a Vaticanbased pediatric medical clinic, an organisation that provides clothing and nappies 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 to the almoner's office.