FRANCIS IN ROME – HOLY YEAR OF MERCY•
On Monday, the Vatican Office of Papal Charities inaugurated a new initiative for the neediest: a medical clinic for the homeless, located alongside the showers and barbershop that Pope Francis made available in St. Peter’s Square.
“We are grateful to Pope Francis for wanting once again to give a concrete sign of mercy in St. Peter’s Square to the homeless and suffering,” said Lucia Ercoli, Director of the Association of Solidarity Medicine. “Our doctors, along with those of FAS (Health Care Fund) and of the Policlinico Tor Vergata, passionately have accepted this new challenge to help the homeless. This work combines work done in recent years on the peripheries of the Vatican,” she added.
Pope Francis with homeless people in Rome
Francis’ outreach to the homeless
The free clinic is located alongside rooms Francis opened several months ago, where showers and a barbershop were installed, where professional volunteers attend.
Doctors and nurses of Solidarity Medicine guarantee the care, treatment and testing regarding the health of needy people. Ercoli added, “After Tor Bella Monaca, Tor Marancia, Montagnola and Regina Coeli, we accepted the Pope’s invitation to ensure a doctor and adequate treatment for those who do not have that luxury.”
The director said, “There is still much work to be done especially in our city’s suburbs, but I think this new clinic in St Peter’s is a sign of great hope.”
Original: Spanish. Translation: Celina M. Garza, San Antonio, TX USA/MJ
