The name of the pontifical council means "one heart", which Paul VI explained in 1972: "So we were able to give your ecclesial action for aid the name of one heart, a heart that beats in rhythm with the heart of Christ, whose pity for the hungry multitudes reaches them even in their spiritual hunger".[5]
Its mission was "the care of the Catholic Church for the needy, thereby encouraging human fellowship and making manifest the charity of Christ", (Apostolic Constitution Pastor bonus, art. 145)[5] and it undertook this mission by carrying out humanitarian relief operations following disasters, fostering charity and encouraging cooperation and coordination of other Catholic organizations.[1]
Cor Unum was also responsible for the John Paul II Foundation for the Sahel to combat drought and desertification as well as the Populorum Progressio Foundation which worked with indigenous peoples.[1]
In 2009, the Council had 38 members, 6 consultors and a permanent staff of ten; the President, Secretary, Under-Secretary, Members and Consultors of the Council were appointed by the Pope for a period of five years.[1]