A Missionaries of Charity nun stands in the doorway as men enter a center run by the order for an evening meal at the Vatican Jan. 7. The Vatican undertook several initiatives to offer more help to the homeless in the midst of unusually cold weather. (CNS photo/Paul Haring)

Pope asks for warm hearts to help homeless deal with the cold

771 0

 By Cindy Wooden, Catholic News Service

VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Looking out over St. Peter’s Square where icicles hung from usually bubbling fountains, Pope Francis prayed for the homeless.

The freeze in Rome, subzero temperatures in large parts of Europe and heavy snowfalls in many areas in early January forced the closure of roads and schools and were blamed for at least a dozen deaths.

“In these very cold days, I think and I invite you to think of the people who live on the streets, struck by the cold and, many times, by indifference,” Pope Francis told people in St. Peter’s Square Jan. 8.

“Unfortunately, some have not survived,” the pope told people who had bundled up against the midday chill to recite the Angelus prayer with him. “Let us pray for them and ask the Lord to warm our hearts so that we can help them.”

Because of the cold weather, the papal charities office instituted a 24-hour open-door policy at the shelters it runs with the Missionaries of Charity for homeless men and homeless women. Usually the shelters open in the evening and close in the morning.

Archbishop Konrad Krajewski, the papal almoner and point man for Pope Francis’ aid to the homeless around the Vatican, was unavailable for comment Jan. 9. However, Italian media reported that he left a van and another automobile from his office unlocked and parked outside the Vatican over the weekend so the homeless could take turns using it for shelter.

Related Post

A Belgian researcher holds a human brain as part of a study into psychiatric diseases July 19, 2017. Pope Francis told members of the Pontifical Academy for Life June 25 that behind the indifference toward human life lies a contagious illness that blinds people to the lives, challenges and struggles of others. (CNS photo/Yves Herman, Reuters)

Pope Francis: Support life at all stages, avoid ‘dirty work of death’

Posted by - June 30, 2018 0
VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Behind the indifference toward human life lies a contagious illness that blinds people to the lives,…
Men carry a statue of Santo Nino de Cebu, who is depicted as the Infant Child Jesus, during a special Mass honoring the popular Filipino devotion to the Child Jesus at Mary Queen Catholic Church in Friendswood, Texas, Jan. 4, 2020. The devotion originates from Cebu City, Philippines, and was brought over by Filipino immigrants. A special reception followed the Mass that featured traditional Filipino dances and the Sinulog dance. (CNS photo/James Ramos, Texas Catholic Herald)

Filipinos celebrate their faith in Santo Nino festival season

Posted by - January 18, 2020 0
HOUSTON (CNS) — While festivals after Epiphany are often known for Mardi Gras, a popular Filipino celebration of the Christ…
An elderly woman participates in the 47th annual March for Life in Washington Jan. 24, 2020. Pope Francis told told Catholic seniors and pastoral workers from around the world Jan. 31 that old age "is not a disease, it's a privilege," and Catholic dioceses and parishes miss a huge and growing resource if they ignore their senior members. (CNS photo/Tyler Orsburn)

Church must recognize the gifts of older Catholics, pope says

Posted by - February 9, 2020 0
VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Old age “is not a disease, it’s a privilege,” and Catholic dioceses and parishes miss a…