Two thousand immigrants at the Dono di Maria shelter near the Vatican
were thrilled to receive Christmas presents from none other than Pope
Francis.
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| Pope Francis Tweet |
He sent them useful gift packages to allow them to connect with
family over the holiday season, including a Christmas card signed by
the Pope, postage stamps, a pre-paid international calling card, and a
free day-pass for the Rome metro, reports Catholic News Agency.
Papal almoner Archbishop Konrad Krajewski
personally helped the sisters of the Missionaries of Charity hand out
the gifts. Sister Michelle told CNA that "the immigrants received the
presents with love and were thankful for the opportunity to call and
write their loved ones during the Christmas season."
As an advocate for the poor and marginalized, Pope Francis has specifically spoken out on behalf of immigrants.
On the World Day of Migrants and Refugees in September he condemned
"slave labor" and human trafficking. "Migrants and refugees are not
pawns on the chessboard of humanity," he said. "They are children, women
and men who leave or who are forced to leave their homes for various
reasons, who share a legitimate desire for knowing and having, but above
all for being more."
The Dono di Maria home was founded by Mother Teresa 25 years ago under Pope John Paul II's blessing, according to Patheos.
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