VATICAN, aleteia.org. The intermittent rains that have fallen over the Italian capital over the last few days did not go unnoticed by Pope Francis. In the most recent initiative in support of the poor, who circulate around the Vatican and Rome, the Office of Papal Charities distributed 300 umbrellas to the homeless in response to the pontiff’s request.
Archbishop Konrad Krajewski informed Ansa Agency that in order to take care of this need of the homeless, 300 umbrellas, which were left behind by tourists during their visits to Vatican Museums, would be used.
Thus what was forgotten by some will now serve to protect hundreds of people sleeping on the street, who have been obliged to lean against the Vatican’s buildings to weather the elements.
This initiative in support of the most needy is in addition to the “Pope’s Barbershop,” which will open soon, offering shaves and haircuts, also beneath Bernini’s Colonnade, showers have been installed: a long–awaited request by the homeless.
“The first thing that we want is to give dignity to each person. A person who does not have a way to wash is a person who is socially rejected, and everyone knows that a homeless person cannot present oneself in a public place, such as a bar or restaurant, to ask for anything, since they are denied access,” Archbishop Krajewski declared, when the showers were installed.
Original: Spanish – Translation: Celina M. Garza, San Antonio, TX USA
