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Pope Has Lunch with Poor People on World Day of the Poor

Sabina Castelfranco

   ROME, ITALY - Pope Francis hosted 1,500 poor and needy people for lunch
   on Sunday at the Vatican. Earlier he celebrated Mass in Saint Peter's
   Basilica to mark World Day of the Poor.

   Some 150 round tables were prepared in the large Vatican hall where the
   pope normally holds his indoor audiences with the faithful during the
   winter months. There he hosted lunch for poor people, including
   migrants and about 50 volunteers who work with the needy.

   Before lunch was served, the pope thanked all those present and asked
   God to bless them and their families. The menu for all the pope's
   guests was lasagne, chicken with cream of mushroom sauce and potatoes,
   dessert, fruit and espresso coffee. Elsewhere in Rome, another 1,500
   needy people were also served lunch and in many parishes.

   Earlier on Sunday the pope celebrated a special mass in Saint Peter's
   Basilica to raise awareness about the poor in the world. The mass was
   attended by the poor and the volunteers who later lunched with the
   pope. During the service, Pope Francis said the poor "facilitate our
   access to heaven" and described them as "the treasure of the Church."

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