IMAGE: CNS/Vatican Press Office
By Junno Arocho Esteves
VATICAN CITY (CNS) — In an effort to help support the
economy of the central Italian region devastated by several earthquakes in 2016,
the Vatican has purchased food from local farmers and producers to feed the homeless.
Pope Francis instructed his almoner, Archbishop Konrad Krajewski, to purchase large
quantities of food from central Italy, known for its delectable selection of
meats, cheeses and wine.
Working with bishops from the devastated areas, Archbishop
Krajewski purchased products from “several groups of farmers and producers
whose businesses were at risk of closing due to the damage caused by the
earthquake,” the Vatican said in a statement released Feb. 23.
“The papal
almoner proceeded to purchase a large quantity of their products with
the intention, expressed by the Holy Father, of helping them and encouraging them to continue their activities,” the Vatican
said.
All of the products purchased by the papal almoner’s office
will be distributed to soup
kitchens in Rome that prepare meals for the city’s needy and homeless people.
The Vatican City State supermarket, which is open to Vatican
employees and pensioners, also has made central Italian food products available
for purchase. Both projects are gestures of support for the local economy, which is struggling after major
earthquakes in August and October.
Throughout his pontificate, Pope Francis has spoken of the
difficulties faced by the unemployed and those unable to support themselves or
their families.
“There is no worse material poverty — I am keen to
stress — than the poverty that
prevents people from earning their bread and deprives them of the dignity of
work,” the pope said
in May 2013.
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