Homeless Get Day at Beach, Pizza —on the Pope

Francis is treating dozens to a taste of normalcy this summer
By Newser Editors and Wire Services
Posted Aug 14, 2016 8:56 AM CDT
Homeless Get Day at Beach, Pizza —on the Pope
Pope Francis smiles as he browses through drawings at the Vatican, Thursday, Aug. 11, 2016. Pope Francis has had lunch with a group of Syrian refugees who were brought to Italy from the Greek island of Lesbos thanks to the pope’s intercession. The Vatican said Thursday that the pope brought toys and...   (Uncredited)

Pope Francis this summer is treating dozens of Rome's homeless to a day at the beach and dinner in a pizzeria on the way back, reports the AP. The pontiff's almsgiver, Polish monsignor Konrad Krajewski, told the La Stampa daily that he drives a van with 10 people to a beach near Rome for a dip in the sea, sunbathing, and then pizza. The Vatican supplies the swimsuits and beach towels.

Krajewski told Italian state radio Sunday the afternoon outings reflect the homeless' "desire for normality" in their lives. Many of them live near Vatican City, where, at Francis' direction, showers and barbers have been set up on the edge of St. Peter's Square for their use. Aided by Swiss Guards, the almsgiver also distributes hot meals to homeless people at Italian train stations. (More Pope Francis stories.)

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