Poverty is seen day in and day out in the homeless, marginalized and needy. It's something Pope Francis has highlighted throughout his pontificate.
POPE FRANCIS
June 7th, 2013
'One cannot describe poverty as something abstract. That's not how it is. Poverty is the flesh of the poor Jesus.â?
That's why the Vatican is organizing an event where the last will be the first...quite literally seated in the front row, the poor will be invited to enjoy a classical music concert in the Vatican.
MSGR. DIEGO GIOVANNI RAVELLI
Apostolic Almoner
'When you take music and you share it with those in need, with the humble, those who suffer in body and soul, that's when that tool becomes the hand of God. It's becomes the Word of God. It touches the hearts of people and it heals. It gives life.â?
The concert will take place on May 14th in the Vatican's Paul VI Hall. Seats that are usually reserved for presidents, dignitaries and royalty, will be taken by the marginalized. The concert is completely free. Any donations received that day, will be used for the works of the Vatican Charity.
MSGR. DIEGO GIOVANNI RAVELLI
Apostolic Almoner
'The main purpose of this department is to carry out charity works on behalf of the Pope. Every day we receive letters from people, including some families, where they basically pour out their hearts and ask Pope Francis for help.â?
In 2014, the department used more than 1.5 million for charity works to help the needy. This year it has already used 300,000.
The concert will include excerpts from Dante's Divine Comedy. Even though the Pope isn't expected, surprise visits can't be ruled out. In March, the Vatican invited a group of 150 people to the Sistine Chapel and the Pope paid a visit and asked for the tv cameras to be turned off. He reportedly told them, 'I want you to feel at home.'
JRB/KLH
MM
JM
-PR
Up:JRB
#Vaticano
