A new clinic where the homeless can get free medical help has opened in St Peter’s Square in what the Vatican has described as a “Christmas gift”.
Pope Francis announced the opening of the ‘Mother of Mercy’ clinic, located under the colonade in the square, on Saturday. It will be open three days a weeks and staffed by volunteer doctors from Vatican medical services and hospitals in Rome. A podiatrist will also be available one day a week.
The new clinic, built on the site of the old Vatican post office, replaces a temporary one set by the Pope who has also opened facilities for them to have showers and get haircuts.
It will also be used to provide first aid to pilgrims during events in St Peter’s Square and the basilica.
Catholic charity Caritas estimated there were more than 16,000 homeless people in Rome late last year.
