February 16, 2010. Workers, volunteers and those who are served at  homeless shelter in Rome, were filled with joy by Pope Benedict XVI’s visit.



But it was the pope who was moved to tears while listening to what this woman had to say about over coming homelessness.

“When I got to the hostel I was desperate, but now I’m a changed person.”

She got help and after being rehabilitated she wanted to help others in her shoes and is now a volunteer at the shelter.

During the pope’s visit to Don Luigi di Liegro shelter he affirmed the Church’s commitment to helping the poor.

Benedict XVI
“The Church loves you deeply and will not abandon you.”

But before his address, the pope blessed a commemorative plaque, was presented with a mutilated crucifix and toured the facilities, including the health center, hostel and pharmacy.

The pope’s visit took place during the “European Year for Combating Poverty and Social Exclusion.” Caritas, the NGO that runs the shelter has simultaneously launched a “zero poverty” which encourages governments to tackle the root causes of poverty.

The pope called for all to recognize themselves as members of a single human family.

Benedict XVI
“I would like to encourage not only Catholics, but every man of good will, especially those who have responsibility in public administration and the different institutions, to commit themselves to the building of a future worthy of man.”

According to Caritas, despite the number of wealthy countries in Europe, there are seventy-nine million people in Europe living below the poverty line. Nineteen million of whom are children.

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