The bags, printed with the papal coat of arms, have been distributed to mark Pope Francis’s birthday.
The sleeping bags, which bear the papal crown above a pair of crossed keys, have been given to homeless people sleeping rough on the streets of Rome.
Volunteers, including Swiss Guards and nuns, went around the city in a minibus to distribute them as a gesture to mark Pope Francis’ 78th birthday on Wednesday.
The operation was overseen by the Pope’s chief alms giver, Cardinal Konrad Krajewski, who is responsible for distributing charitable funds from the Holy See.
He also installed showers last month by the entrance to St Peter’s Basilica after being inspired by a homeless man he met.
When he invited the man for dinner, he responded “I can’t, because I stink”. Archbishop Krajewski said:
“I took him to dinner anyway. While we were eating he explained that for the homeless in Rome it was not difficult to find something to eat, but what they really lacked was a place to wash.”
Volunteers who distributed the new sleeping bags to some of Rome’s estimated 8,000 homeless, reportedly said:
“This is a gift for you from the Pope on the occasion of his birthday, we ask you to pray for him.”
Source and Original Content by Premier Christian Radio