Rome: Homeless, refugees treated to day at the circus + video

More than a thousand people - refugees, homeless, and a group of prisoners on parole, were treated to a day at the circus on Thursday in Rome, courtesy of Apostolic Charities and the Rony Roller Circus.

The Vatican ferried guests to the massive big-top tent on the outskirts of Rome, in the latest gesture of affection for the poor and needy, which has been a hallmark of Pope Francis' papacy.

The spectacular two hour show was presented by seven generations of circus performers and featured knife throwing, acrobatics, prancing white horses, clowns, dancing and singing.

Guests were also treated to a meal and snacks. There were showers, haircuts and shaves available and mobile medical services parked by the circus, with a team of doctors, nurses and medical students offering check ups and health advice.

Circus owner Rony Vassallo works with horses and lions in the show and he does a trapeze act. He said: " We all love performing, but for us artists its especially good and feels quite emotional to put on a show like this for people who might not have seen a circus. We do not want to teach anything except to bring people that feeling of being a kid again."

One of the guests, a young homeless man called Marek, said the show really lifted his spirits. "When difficult things have happened to you, you can feel quite depressed but something like is a small space to feel lighthearted for a time. I would like to thank Pope Francis for the chance to get here. "

When Pope Francis met a group of circus performers last year, he said "they create beauty" and that is good for the soul.

Watch a short film of the Rony Roller Circus here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=2MjuHhZ50Jk