Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio, marked his patron saint’s feast day on April 23 with his customary dedication to charity. The day honors St. George, the pope’s patron saint, who is revered for his role as protector of the papacy and as an intercessor in the battle against evil.
For Pope Francis, special occasions often become opportunities to connect with the most vulnerable members of society, and his patron saint’s day is no exception. Over the years, he has made it a tradition to share the day with those in need, reflecting his deep commitment to charity and service.
In 2018, Pope Francis made headlines with a heartwarming gesture: he personally distributed ice cream to the poor in Rome. With the help of the apostolic almoner, nearly 3,000 servings of ice cream were given out in soup kitchens across the city, an act that touched many and set the tone for future celebrations of St. George’s feast day.
The following year, Pope Francis took another symbolic step, gifting a 44-pound chocolate Easter egg to the poor who visited the Caritas soup kitchen in central Rome. In 2020, amid the COVID-19 pandemic, the pope directed the donation of 10 ventilators to hospitals in Romania, Italy, and Spain, further exemplifying his commitment to helping those in critical need during difficult times.
On April 23, 2021, Pope Francis continued his charitable tradition, visiting the Paul VI Hall in the Vatican to greet over 600 individuals waiting to receive the COVID-19 vaccine as part of the Vatican’s solidarity vaccination campaign.
These gestures are just part of Pope Francis’ broader efforts to serve the poor. Over the years, he has initiated projects such as the installation of showers and a health care center in St. Peter’s Square, as well as shelters to provide refuge for the homeless. He has also invited those in need to experience the Vatican Museums and organized special events like a gala dinner near Piazza Bernini.
In addition, Pope Francis established the World Day of the Poor, a day dedicated to raising awareness of the struggles faced by those living in poverty and encouraging acts of compassion and solidarity. His patron saint’s day celebrations serve as a reminder of his unwavering focus on uplifting the most vulnerable in society.
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