Few people know that in St. Peter's Square, next to Bernini's colonnade, is a medical clinic for homeless people.
There they can get free coronavirus tests, which they must have to enter dormitories or return to their countries.
It's one of the Vatican's initiatives for World Day of the Poor, which will be celebrated this Sunday. It's organized by Arch. Rino Fisichella's department.
The pope will also celebrate Mass in the basilica, with the homeless.
ARCH. RINO FISICHELLA
President, Pontifical Council for the New Evangelization
“Only 100 people will be inside St. Peter's Basilica. They represent all the world's poor who today are especially in need of the attention and solidarity of the Christian community. Some volunteers and benefactors will also be present.”
World Day of the Poor is celebrated every year on a Sunday in November. The Vatican asks that every diocese lead a concrete initiative to mark the occasion.
For example, the archbishop presented initiatives spearheaded by different entrepreneurs who are preparing thousands of meal boxes or distributing faces masks to people in need. In Canada, one diocese proposed that each family invite a homeless person to dinner.
JMB
Translation: CT
