Earlier in the week, it was announced in L’Osservatore Romano, the Vatican newspaper, that the homeless who inhabit St Peter’s Square would be invited for a special private tour of the Vatican
the special visit was organized by Archbishop Konrad Krajewski, the same papal aide who came up with the idea of installing showers for homeless people near St. Peter’s Basilica and who recruited barbers and hairdressers to donate their services on Mondays.
“The artistic beauty of the Vatican can be admired also by the poor, who usually see just the steps of the colonnade” around St. Peter’s Square, the newspaper said.
For pilgrims and the homeless alike, the steps of the colonnade provide a place to rest out of the sun and rain.
On Thursday, during the tour, the Pope himself met with the group and according to ABC news;
They also were invited to pray in the Sistine Chapel, where the pope made an unannounced visit.
“This is everyone’s house: it’s your house. The door is always open for all,” Francis reportedly said as he shook their hands.
posted by Jon White