The popular 19th-century Roman building, the Palazzo Migliori, located in the heart of the Vatican, went into a shelter for the homeless and poor by order of Pope Francis.
For several decades, the Palazzo Migliori, which was built in the early 1800s, served as the headquarters of the Calasanziane Sisters religious order, which used this building to care for young single mothers.
After the order was moved to another building in 2019, the functions of the popular and well-located building were discussed. Due to its central location, it could be a hotel generating significant income for the Catholic Church, but, according to the Vatican News, the Pope personally wanted to turn this place into a shelter for the homeless. The pontiff instructed to his Almoner Cardinal Konrad Krajewski to fulfil the plan.
According to Cardinal Krajewski, the four-story building will accommodate about 50 men and women, although a room with 16 bedrooms can accommodate more in cold winter weather.
At the lower levels of the building, residents will have an opportunity to get social support, including computing, reading, recreation, and psychological counselling. Volunteers can also use the building to prepare food for homeless people who were sheltering elsewhere.
Meanwhile, since he became the head of the Catholic Church, Pope Francis pays special attention to the poor and homeless. In 2015, the Pope ordered the burial of a homeless man inside the Vatican’s cemetery, usually reserved for senior clergy. Earlier that year, at the request of the pontiff, showers for the homeless were installed in public toilets vicinity of the Vatican’s St Peter’s square.
Pope orders 19th-century historic building to serve as homeless shelter
EPA-EFE//CLAUDIO PERI
Pope Francis has a lunch in Nervi Hall to mark the World Day of the Poor at the Vatican.
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