Press Release from the Office of Papal Charities

During the summer months, the Office of Papal Charities did not go on holiday, devoting itself, among other things, to two of the seven works of mercy: visiting prisoners and consoling the afflicted.

In addition to the aid that is regularly given through the chaplains, the “charitable arm of the Holy Father” has made small evangelical gestures to help and give hope to thousands of people in Rome's prisons. In particular, in recent days, the Almoner of His Holiness, Cardinal Konrad Krajewski, has delivered 15,000 ice creams to the inmates of the Regina Coeli and Rebibbia prisons.

The other works of corporal mercy, feeding the hungry, giving drink to the thirsty, clothing the naked, housing pilgrims and strangers, visiting and supporting the sick, and burying the dead, are taken into special consideration by the Office of Papal Charities during the summer months, when many canteens and charitable structures have to limit their activities.

Therefore, as every year, small groups of homeless people, or those housed in dormitories, were taken to the sea or to the lake near Castel Gandolfo, for an afternoon of relaxation and dinner in a pizzeria.

The poorest people of other nations have certainly not been forgotten either, who, through referral and mediation by the Apostolic Nuncios, receive medicines, pulmonary respirators and medical supplies sent directly from the Vatican by the Holy See's diplomatic courier service.

In August alone, for example, a tomograph was purchased for Madagascar, worth about 600,000 dollars, and the preparation of medical clinics, either renovated or newly built, was completed for almost 2,000,000 euros in three of the poorest countries in Africa.

The works of mercy, corporal and spiritual, are found in the Gospel: " Jesus introduces us to these works of mercy in his preaching so that we can know whether or not we are living as his disciples" (Pope Francis, Misericordiae Vultus, 15). If they are valid for every Christian, they are even more valuable indications to regulate the action of the Holy Father's charitable office.