Pope Francis sent a letter to priests and religious serving in the diocese of Rome, inviting them to open their institutions or empty apartments to the homeless as a “concrete sign” of hope for those in need during the jubilee year of 2025.
Vatican News
Vatican City, Saturday, November 16, 2024: The Diocese of Rome is preparing to receive millions of pilgrims for the Jubilee of Hope in 2025. Pope Francis has addressed a letter to parish priests, religious priests, nuns and representatives of the ecclesiastical institutions present in the Eternal City, asking them to “bring hope during the Jubilee Year through works of charity and solidarity towards the poor and needy.” has been a call to present “concrete signals.”
It is the love of God that creates hope.
“It is the love of God that generates hope, and the love of God is expressed through our love,” the pope said in the letter. The Pope expressed his deep gratitude to so many Roman parishes, religious communities, ecclesiastical associations, movements and families “who do so much to spread the love of God through concrete works of charity (often in silence), which create hope in life.” of the people.”
housing crisis in rome
Recalling that the common good in the social teaching of the Church includes “all conditions that guarantee human dignity,” including the inalienable rights to land, housing and work, Pope Francis specifically mentions housing – It is a important and long-standing issue in Rome – where hope and dignity can be promoted.
Therefore, in preparation to welcome the large crowds of pilgrims during the Jubilee Year, they urge the Church of Rome to collaborate with public institutions and associations.
A gesture of love for the homeless
He specifically urged all religious institutions to express “a bold gesture of love for one’s neighbor” by offering empty buildings to house those who are homeless or at risk of losing their home. He explained that these people will be cared for by institutions and social services, while unions and popular movements will provide other services to guarantee respectful and fraternal hospitality.
Concluding the letter, Pope Francis praised the diocesan priests, nuns and lay religious of Rome for their charity and “for all they do to express the love of God and bring hope to the lives of all, especially to those who need it.” It’s more.”
