Pope welcomes homeless to Sistine Chapel

On Friday evening, Pope Francis went to the Sistine Chapel to greet the 150 homeless persons who had been invited to visit the Vatican Museums through an initiative of the Office of Papal Charities.

On his arrival the Pope said: "Welcome. This is the house of all; this is your house. The doors are always open to all." He went on to shake hands and talk with each person, staying for about 20 minutes.

The Pope added: "Pray for me. I need the prayers of people like you." He left them with a blessing, saying: "May the Lord protect you, accompany you on your life's path, and make you feel the Father's tender love."

Later, he thanked Archbishop Konrad Krajewski, Papal Almoner, for having organized the visit, which he called a "small kindness" for the guests.

After the visit, the guests were invited to dinner at the Vatican Museums restaurant and they left Vatican City through the Sant'Uffizio Gate.

At the Pope's request, there was no official video or photo report of the event.

Source: VIS