The Lavanderia di Papa Francesco (Pope Francis Laundry) intended to “restore dignity to many people who are our brothers and sisters”, the Vatican said. Two years ago, Francis opened a shower and barber service next to St Peter’s Basilica and a dormitory nearby. On his 78th birthday two years ago, the pope distributed hundreds of sleeping bags to homeless people in Rome. The pontiff has made people on the margins of society a central focus of his papacy, calling for Catholic clergy and congregations to help homeless people and refugees. Facebook Twitter Pinterest Pope Francis has breakfast with homeless people as part of his 80th birthday celebrations.

Source: The Guardian April 11, 2017 08:29 UTC