World Day of the Poor, an initiative launched by Pope Francis, will be celebrated this Sunday, November 19.
To celebrate, doctors, nurses, soldiers and volunteers have been taking care of the homeless of Rome in this tent in St. Peter's Square for the last few days.
Once they arrive and have filled out a questionnaire, they are directed to the medical unit most suited for their needs.
DR. LUCA CIPRIANO
Gynecologist
“From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., we are ready to tend to all of the poor pilgrims who need a visit.”
Doctor Luca Cipriano assures homeless people sometimes don't ask for help out of fear of being judged.
This project hopes to challenge indifference. Pope Francis has spoken on many occasions about the culture of dismissal, and that's why he wants this hospital to encourage a culture of encounter.
MSGR. RINO FISICHELLA
President, Pontifical Council for Promoting New Evangelization
“If you look at the logo, there are two hands, but you can't tell which one is the rich and which one is the poor, if it is inviting to leave or to enter. You can't tell, and that was done on purpose. To remind us that we need each other and that each one of us has riches and poverties; also, that poor people have great riches to offer us.”
The less fortunate have their own World Day for the first time, and not just this year, but every year from now on.
More than four thousand homeless people are expected to attend the World Day celebration this Sunday in St. Peter's Basilica. After, Pope Francis will have lunch with 1,500 of the poor in the Paul VI Audience Hall. There will also be lunch for the most needy in different parts of Rome.
