The papal almoner, an archbishop who distributes charitable aid from Pope Francis, has planned a special afternoon for about 150 homeless people: a walk through the Vatican Gardens, a visit to the Vatican Museums, private time in the Sistine Chapel and dinner in the museums' cafeteria. L'Osservatore Romano, the Vatican newspaper, reported that the special visit was organised by Archbishop Konrad Krajewski, the same papal aide who came up with the idea of installing showers for homeless people near St Peter's Basilica and who recruited barbers and hairdressers to donate their services on Mondays. "The artistic beauty of the Vatican can be admired also by the poor, who usually see just the steps of the colonnade" around St Peter's Square, the newspaper said. For pilgrims and the homeless alike, the steps of the colonnade provide a place to rest out of the sun and rain. The newspaper said Archbishop Krajewski's guests on March 26 will be divided into three groups, each with a guide, and will enter the museums after a sightseeing stroll through the Vatican Gardens. The museums will close to the public 90 minutes early so that the special guests will have the final part of the tour -- the Sistine Chapel -- to themselves. Guides will explain the art and architecture of the chapel and a short prayer service will be celebrated, the paper said. "The whole group will be accompanied to the cafeteria where dinner will be served."
8:16 AM
Vatican to give 150 homeless people VIP tour of Sistine Chapel
The visit has been organised by the papal aide who came up with the idea of installing showers for the homeless people near St Peter's Basilica
Cindy Wooden

Already a subscriber? Sign in
5freearticles every month
Continue reading with a free account. No card needed.
- Five free articles every thirty days, on any device you sign in on
- The Catholic Herald newsletter, every morning
- Subscribe whenever you like for everything: every article and the magazine

subscribe to the catholic herald today
Our best content is exclusively available to our subscribers. Subscribe today and gain instant access to expert analysis, in-depth articles, and thought-provoking insights—anytime, anywhere. Don’t miss out on the conversations that matter most.
Subscribe












