Italy has asked its citizens not to leave their homes, to avoid further contagion of the coronavirus. However, there are still thousands of homeless people with no place to go.
POPE FRANCIS
We say, 'I feel sorry for them,' and continue on.
As an initial form of aid, Pope Francis donated 100,000 euros to Caritas Italy, to care for the homeless in this time.
Beyond that, every morning, religious men and women from the Vatican Office of Papal Charities walk through the streets near St. Peter’s to bring hot drinks, cookies and company to the people who sleep there.
It’s a way to observe precautionary measures against contagion, while not abandoning anyone.
What people are most grateful for is knowing there is someone concerned about their situation.
Every night, Christian institutions, like the Salvation Army, patrol the area to bring people dinner.
They take advantage of the opportunity to see if anyone needs medical attention, or if they can offer them some human contact.
These are the small gestures that make a great difference.
JMB/CT