Cardinal Turkson visits
itinerant peoples camp in Rome’s Alban Hills
 |
| Cardinal Turson visits a settlement of itinerant peoples outside of Rome (Vatican Media) |
On Saturday, about 600 itinerant people received masks,
gloves and medicine from the hands of Cardinal Peter Turkson: a “support for
all who are suffering, vulnerable and often forgotten”. (includes photogallery)
By Alessandro Guarasci
Cardinal Turkson, Prefect of the Dicastery for Promoting
Integral Human Development, visited a settlement just outside of the gates of
Rome on Saturday evening. About 600 people live in the camp Polo ex Fienile in
Tor Bella Monaca. Half of them are minors. Living conditions in the camp are
difficult.
The Cardinal himself distributed masks, gloves and medicine,
which he characterized as a demonstration of “support for all who are living in
situations of suffering and vulnerability and who are often forgotten.”
His visit was also meant to make Pope Francis’s presence
felt. While the Cardinal was there, he met with the families, the mothers and
the children who call the camp home.
Gloves, masks, medicine
The Covid-19 lockdown has not stopped the Church’s outreach
to those in difficulty.
It has however made the activity of both its organizations
and volunteers much more difficult. The Vatican Pharmacy donated the 3,000
vinyl gloves, 6,000 surgical masks, 200 washable fabric masks, and 500 packets
of fever-reducing medicine. It did so as a partner of the Vatican Covid-19
Commission which is directed by the Dicastery Cardinal Turkson heads.
These items are absolutely necessary as initial protocol has
begun to relax as Italy gradually moves out of the crisis. Other associations
who assist those living in the camp on an ongoing basis provided 260 packages
of basic necessities geared especially toward babies aged 0-3.
Gratitude to the volunteers and others
Cardinal Turkson first met with volunteers of the
Educational and Cultural Development Centre Ex Fienile.
He then met with the Bishop of the region, Gianpiero
Palmieri, other priests who direct charitable organizations serving those
living in the settlement, and Dr. Maria Rosaria Giampaolo of the Vatican’s
Bambino Gesù Hospital. Carlo Stasolla, president of the charitable organization
called July 21 Association, was on hand to tell the Cardinal about the
conditions in the camp and about the many other people he can count on to help
the population integrate into society at large. The Cardinal's visit was
organized by Mr Stasolla. His organization dedicates its services primarily to
the Roma and Sinti populations living near Rome.
Every week his association delivers over 250 packets, thanks
to donations from private individuals.
No one left behind
“As Pope Francis often repeats, no one must be left behind,”
Cardinal Turkson said. “We are here to give witness to his support for all who
are living in situations of suffering and vulnerability and who are often
forgotten, especially during the period of this health, social and economic
crisis. Let’s remind ourselves that the integral development of the human
person is connected with the care of creation: if we faill with one, all the
others will fail as well.”
Health situation in the Alban Hills
In the camp situated in the Alban Hills, water arrives by
tankers. Even the electric voltage does not cover their needs. Only 15% of
the children attend school regularly.
With the explosion of Covid-19, distance learning for these
children is nearly impossible due to the absence of computers and internet
connections. They live in dilapidated campers and containers that resemble
shacks. Entering their homes, the Cardinal met with two mothers and their
children.
Many of those living here escaped the war in Bosnia. Although
they are refugees, they lack official refugee status.
Medical personnel from the Vatican’s Bambino Gesù Hospital
in Rome have been providing them with healthcare. They have cared for about 700
children of itinerant peoples throughout Rome in a camper named “Don’t forget
about me”.
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