Sunday Times 2
Pope sends out 2,000 Christmas packages
Pope Francis has given Christmas packages to 2,000 immigrants at a shelter near the Vatican.
The package included a Christmas card signed by the Pope, postage stamps, a pre-paid international calling card, and a free day travel card for the Rome metro.
The giant Christmas tree in St. Peter’s Square was illuminated on Friday, December 13, and Pope Francis told visiting German pilgrims that the tree symbolizes “the joy of the brilliant divine light.” (Reuters)
Handed out at the Dono di Maria shelter the care package was designed to help the recipients reconnect with their families during the festive period.
The presents were distributed by Papal almoner Archbishop Konrad Krajewski and sisters at the shelter.
‘The guests were very happy’” said Sister Michelle, the superior of Mother Teresa’s Missionaries of Charity in Rome.
She added that Benedict XVI had also reached out to those in need through various initiatives, in ways that were never publicised by the Holy See’s Press Office.
Meanwhile Pope Francis has made an amateur video praising the world’s ‘cartoneros’ – the poor people who pick through garbage to find recyclable and reusable goods.
He says their work is dignified and good for the environment.
Francis recorded the video Dec. 5 while meeting with members of the Excluded Workers’ Movement of his native Argentina, which released the video this week at an annual meeting of trash recyclers.
Francis, known for his simple habits, has denounced today’s ‘throw-away culture’ and said in the video that food that is tossed aside each day could feed all the world’s hungry.
Francis has a long relationship with Argentina’s ‘cartoneros’ – literally ‘cardboard people.’
He would celebrate Mass for them as archbishop and invited them on stage during World Youth Day in July.
© Daily Mail, London
| Pope Francis has drawn two million people to audiences in St Peter’s Square
By Hugo Gye  Pope Francis blesses a baby during his general audience in St Peter's Square (AFP) More than two million people have apparently been to see Pope Francis speak in St Peter’s Square since he was elected in March. The Vatican announced yesterday that 1,548,500 tickets have been issued so far for Francis’ general audiences in St Peter’s Square. By comparison, 447,000 tickets were issued for general audiences with Benedict XVI during the whole of 2012. Francis was last week named Person of the Year by Time magazine, having impressed many with his outgoing and friendly style. © Daily Mail, London |