Pope spends name-day with poor receiving Covid jabs

Volunteers welcome Pope

Source: Vatican News

Pope Francis marked his name-day, the feast of St George, with a surprise visit to a vaccination centre for poor and homeless people in Rome. The clinic, organised by the Papal Almoner, in the Paul VI Hall provided the second dose of Covid-19 vaccines for a group of around 600 vulnerable people.

According to the Holy See Press Office, the Pope spent around half an hour at the centre, greeting people as he walked along.

Before he left, Pope Francis stopped to offer a large chocolate Easter egg which was distributed to the volunteers - with all Covid safety measure in place. At one point those present sang a song for the Pope's name-day.

"As he stopped to speak to several volunteers in a joyous and cordial environment, the Holy Father thanked them and encouraged them to 'continue your hard work!'" reads the Press Office statement.

Cardinal Konrad Krajewski, the Papal Almoner, thanked all the volunteers and health workers for their part in organizing the vaccination campaign.

Those receiving the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine were part of a larger group of 1,400 who got the first jab during Holy Week.

The group includes several guests of a home run by the Missionaries of Charity, people receiving aid from the St Egidio Community, and others helped by a group called 'Medicina Solidale.'

The Vatican's campaign to offer free vaccines for those in need began in January, at the same time as Vatican employees started receiving the jab.

See a short film of the Pope's visit of Vatican Youtube: www.youtube.com/watch?v=1hMeB4FSrZo