Treasury and charitable office of the Apostolic See
The Prefecture of the Patriarchal Aerarium oversees the treasury and charitable works of the Holy Apostolic See. It is led by the Elemosiniere Segreto, or Private Almoner, who serves as the principal financial official of the See.
Within the Aerarium, the Elemosineria carries out charitable works in the name of the Roman-Ruthenian Pope, especially assistance directed toward those in need. Its purpose joins prudent stewardship of temporal resources with the Christian duty of mercy.
The Aerarium retains the rights and privileges of a prefecture while functioning as a subordinate congregation of the Pontifical Secretariat. If no Private Almoner is appointed, the Secretariat assumes its responsibilities.