On the World Day of the Poor, Pope Francis will bless 13 symbolic keys that represent global efforts to house the homeless through the Vincentian “13 Houses” project.
Vatican News
Vatican City, Saturday, November 16, 2024: Something different is happening during this year’s World Day of the Poor. Before presiding over Mass in St. Peter’s Basilica, Pope Francis will bless the “13 Keys,” or 13 statues, each representing a key. This poster, which reflects the Church’s closeness to people in need around the world, is an important milestone in the “13 Houses” project, a global initiative led by the ‘Famwin Homeless Alliance’.
According to Mark McGreevey, coordinator of the Famwin Homeless Alliance, the project is inspired by the charitable legacy of Saint Vincent de Paul, who used a royal legacy given to him by then-King Louis XIII in 1643 to build 13 homes for street children in Paris. were established. In addition to providing shelter to the children, these homes helped them become self-sufficient by providing them with education and life skills.
A vision rooted in the Vincentian charism
Speaking to Patricia Ynestroza of Vatican News, McGreevey explained that the ‘Famwin Alliance for the Homeless’ was launched in 2017 to celebrate the 400th anniversary of the death of Saint Vincent de Paul. “There are 160 branches of the Vincentian Family around the world,” he said.
The “13 Houses” project aims to build symbolic houses in each of the 160 countries where the Vincentian Family is active, with the aim of sheltering approximately 10,000 people in need. The project combines immediate assistance, such as housing and community building, with systemic changes, including advocacy efforts at institutions such as the United Nations.
“13 keys” symbol
The concept of the “13 Keys” arises from the Jubilee Year initiative, in which Pope Francis highlighted the work of the Famwin Alliance for the Homeless. McGreevey said the keys represent homes built in 13 countries: Syria, Australia, Brazil, Cambodia, Central African Republic, Chile, Costa Rica, Italy, Senegal, Tanzania, Tonga, the United Kingdom and Ukraine.
“In some countries, such as the United Kingdom, the project consists of a single multifamily building,” McGreevey said. “In Syria, where Pope Francis has shown personal interest, 13 homes will be built in cities such as Damascus and Homs.” McGreevey added: “The aim is to demonstrate that housing projects can be successful not only in developed countries but also in areas affected by war and famine.”
The 13 countries represent the diversity of this project, which spans five continents. McGreevey noted, “This initiative serves as a catalyst for future action and we hope it inspires others within the church to make similar efforts.”
The magnitude of this project and the Pope’s support for its work are also a symbol of his closeness to his flock around the world. For these reasons, as he moves to show his closeness to all corners of the world, he has been called the “Pope of the Peripheries.”
hope and renewal
Sunday’s Blessing of the 13 Keys will, indeed, be a strong reminder of the Church’s work to help the poor and marginalized. Next year, families from each of the 13 countries represented in the project will travel to the Vatican to receive the “keys” to their new homes.
