Vatican unveils new papal fund-raising website

Vatican City: The Vatican has launched a website that gives Catholics a new way to donate to the Popes annual charitable collection for the poor known as "Peters Pence," it said on Tuesday.

"The faithful everywhere will be able to better appreciate the importance of their offerings and to donate online to the Holy See's works of mercy, Christian charity, peace and assistance," the Vatican said.

Catholics are invited to make "Peter's Pence" donations to the pope's charitable works each year on June 29, the feast of Saints Peter and Paul, in a traditional sign of solidarity.

The new www.peterspence.va website is currently available in English, Italian and Spanish and contains reflections from Pope Francis, the Vatican stated.