Angelus: Pope urges care for homeless in freezing
weather
(Vatican Radio) Speaking to pilgrims gathered in a freezing
St Peter’s Square on Sunday, Pope Francis asked for prayers for all those
living and dying on the streets at this time of year.
The Pope’s words came during his Angelus address at the end
of Mass marking the feast of Jesus’ baptism in the River Jordan. As Jesus came
to be baptised, the Pope said, John the Baptist tries to stop him, saying he is
the one who should be baptised by Jesus. But, the Pope continued, Jesus came
down to earth to close the gap between God and man, to fulfill God’s will and
to show that God remains close to us, his children.
Christians must be humble servants
As Jesus was baptized, the voice of God was heard saying
“This is my beloved Son in whom I am well pleased” and a dove was seen as a
symbol of the Holy Spirit. The Pope said that was the moment when Jesus began
his public mission, in the style of a humble servant. All disciples of Christ,
he said, must use that same missionary style, not shouting or scolding people,
not with arrogance or imposition, but firmly and gently with the example of
their own lives.
After praying the Angelus prayer, the Pope remembered the
homeless and especially those who’ve died during the extreme cold weather. May
the Lord warm our hearts to be able to help those who live on the streets, he
said.
Practical support for homeless
The Pope’s almoner, Archbishop Konrad Krajewski, told
Vatican Radio yesterday that the three hostels run by the Vatican, close to St
Peter’s and to Termini train station, will remain open 24 hours a day while the
cold weather continues. He said a number of cars have also been made available
as a place to sleep for those who wish to remain on the streets, while special
thermal sleeping bags and gloves are being provided to try and protect the
homeless from the freezing temperatures.
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