Pope Francis raffles his gifts to help the poor

VATICAN. “Do not forget the poor” was the biblically inspired phrase Cardinal Claudio Hummes whispered in Jorge Mario Bergoglio’s ear, on the 13^th of March 2013, after the conclave. Even now like a providential whisper of the mission of 266^th Successor of Peter and which is translated into concrete deeds, these few simple words still resound in the mind of Pope Francis. On this particular occasion, the Bishop of Rome thinks about the poor in his own house. Some days ago, a newspaper of the Eternal City, Il Messaggero, announced that a ‘charity’ raffle is being organized with the gifts that Pope Francis has received during the twenty-one months of his pontificate.

Lottery for the poor with notary and inspector

The news has also been confirmed with an announcement posted in several Vatican Governing offices, on which the initiative is announced. In fact, the papal almoner, Archbishop Konrad Krajewski will handle the money that will be distributed among the poor.

The funds collected will be for the poor who suffer the Italian capital’s cruel winter. Some of these faces can be seen daily in front of the Vatican Press Office. The homeless who wander around Saint Peter’s take shelter under the Bernini colonnade, or they ask for help at the large steps of Traspontina.

A notary will draw the main prize with the presence of Cardinal Giuseppe Bertello, Governor of the Vatican City.

The prizes

The winning tickets will be drawn on the 8^th of January 2015. Each ticket costs 10 Euros. The first prize is a Fiat Panda 4×4 fully equipped (latest generation radio, air condition, top notch finishing), the other prices include a blue racing bicycle, an orange bicycle with baskets, a white tandem, a hi- definition digital video camera Sony HDR-PJ240PAL, and a coffee maker among other gifts.

Where to buy a ticket?

Pilgrims or the faithful who visit Saint Peter’s Square can buy a lottery ticket for charity at several outlets. The offices of Vatican Governance, as well as the authorized points of sale such as: the Vatican post office (at the right of the columns), the museums, and the pilgrimage offices.

Source: www.aleteia.org

Original: Spanish – Translation: Celina M. Garza, San Antonio, TX USA