Pope Francis has been one of the most transformational religious leaders in modern history. He is also well on his way to being one of the most beloved. One reason for all the adoration of His Holiness is because he has made the poor a top priority.
Commitment to the Poor
Pope Francis has turned words into actions when it comes to the poor. Polish Archbishop Konrad Krajewski, the pope’s chiefs alms-giver and personal representative in helping the poor, has coordinated numerous activities in this effort, including:
Free Showers and Haircuts
Showers were installed off St. Peter’s Square for the homeless to use. Free haircuts and shaves are also available.
Sleeping Bags
In December, sleeping bags were handed out to the homeless around St. Peter’s Square to commemorate the pope’s birthday.
Birthday Lunch
On Pope Francis’s first birthday as pope, Archbishop Krajewski planned a lunch for the pontiff with a group of homeless men.
Tour of the Sistine Chapel
The Sistine Chapel is one the most beautiful and glorious churches in existence. It is decorated with spectacular frescos painted by Michelangelo. The cardinals use the Chapel for the Papal Conclave, which occurs when a new pope is being selected. Archbishop Krajewski organized a tour of the Chapel and Vatican museums on March 27 for over 150 homeless women and men. On the day of the event, the Chapel closed 90 minutes early to ensure they had the space to themselves. The group was also served a free meal at the museum’s restaurant.
Food Distribution
Archbishop Krajewski has also organized the distribution of large amounts of food to feed the hungry.
VIP Tickets to a Papal Concert
On May 14, a concert benefiting the pontiff’s charities will be held at a Vatican concert hall. The poor, sick, elderly and prison detainees will have the best seats in the house. The Philharmonic Orchestra of Salerno, Italy, and the choir of the Diocese of Rome are scheduled to perform.
Economic Assistance
The office of the pope receives thousands of letters every day from people seeking help. The number has steadily increased due to rising unemployment, immigrants and the recession. The requests are validated by members of the clergy. Over $1.6 million in small amounts was given out by the Vatican in 2014 in response to these pleas for assistance. This was a 25 percent increase from the previous year. It is speculated that even more money will be distributed in 2015.
Raffle Drawing
Earlier in the year, the pope’s office raffled off 43 gifts he had received from world leaders and devoted followers. First prize was a Fiat Panda car. Other prizes included bicycles, an espresso machine and a Panama hat. The tickets were $10 each with the proceeds going to the Catholic Church to help combat poverty.
Quotes From Pope Francis
Pope Francis has not hesitated to voice his feelings on the treatment of the poor. Following are few of his quotes on the topic:
“A ten point drop in the stock markets of some cities, is a tragedy. A person dying is not the news, but if the stock markets drop ten points it is a tragedy!”
“We should all remember, however, that throwing food away is like stealing from the tables of the poor, the hungry! I encourage everyone to reflect on the problem of thrown away and wasted food to identify ways and means that, by seriously addressing this issue, are a vehicle of solidarity and sharing with the needy.”
Pope Francis is doing everything he can to assist the poor and encourages others to do the same. If necessary, he will even shame the wealthy in an effort to get them to pay more attention to the issue. The long-term legacy of the pope is yet to be known, but his effort to help the poor is sure to be a big part of it.