Vatican opens homeless shelter near St. Peter’s Square

Earlier this year, the Vatican opened showers and a barber for the homeless next toSt. Peter’s Square. And they also gave them a personal tour of the Vatican Museums.

Now Pope Francis and the Vatican have done it again, opening a homeless shelter just steps away from St. Peter’s Square. It’s named “Gift of Mercy.”

The building was donated by the Jesuit order. Day to day operations are carried out by nuns from Mother Teresa’s Missionaries of Charity. And it’s paid for by the Papal Office of Charities.

There are facilities for up to 34 men. Once they are interviewed by nuns and register, those who have come upon hard times may stay there for 30 days.

The new facilities include bunk beds, a kitchen, lockers, washing machines, bathrooms, and other amenities. Religious artwork adorns the walls throughout.

It’s not the first time the Vatican has done something like this: In 1988, they opened a similar facility for women.

Rome Reports