GREETING OF HIS HOLINESS POPE FRANCIS
TO THE WORLD OF STREET NEWSPAPERS

The lives of millions of people, who are already facing numerous difficult challenges in our world and are oppressed by the pandemic, have changed and are being seriously tested. Those most vulnerable, the invisible, those without an abode run the risk of paying the highest price.

I would therefore like to acknowledge the world of street newspapers, and especially their vendors, who are largely homeless, terribly marginalized and unemployed: thousands of people across the world who live and have a job thanks to selling these extraordinary newspapers.

In Italy, I think of the beautiful experience of the Caritas project Scarp de’ tenis, which allows more than 130 people facing difficulties to have an income; and through it, to access fundamental citizens’ rights. And not only that. I also think of the experience of more than 100 street newspapers throughout the world, published in 35 countries and in 25 different languages, that provide employment and an income to 20,500 homeless people in the world. For many weeks now, street newspapers have not been sold and their vendors cannot work. I would like therefore to express my solidarity with journalists, volunteers, and people living thanks to these projects who are doing everything they can these days through many innovative ideas.

The pandemic has made your work difficult but I am sure that the great network of street newspapers will come back stronger than ever. Turning our gaze to the poorest these days can help us all realize how much is actually happening to us, and what our condition truly is. My message of encouragement and brotherly friendship goes out to you all. Thank you for the work you do, for the information you provide, and for the stories of hope that you tell.

FRANCIS