Vatican helps homeless clean up

VATICAN CITY – Homeless men and women lined up Monday off St. Peter’s Square to take advantage of Pope Francis’ latest charitable initiative: a free shave and shower for the least fortunate.

Mauro Casubolo, 49, was one of the first clients as the pope’s barbershop opened in the public restrooms just off the Bernini Colonnade. His chin was still red from the shave – his first in three weeks – but he was grateful.

“It’s a beautiful thing he’s done for us, especially for us who live in the middle of the streets, because if you want to try to go find some work you can come here and have a shower,” he said.

Francis’ chief alms-giver, Monsignor Konrad Krajewski, has said the project is needed since homeless people are often shunned for their appearance. The initiative is being funded by donations and the sale of papal parchments by Krajewski’s office. Volunteers are providing services.

Casubolo said he gets by with handouts from local charitable organizations, but what he wants most is a job.

“Even if I need to clean steps somewhere, clean bathrooms, I don’t care,” he said. “As long as I have a salary that gets me to the end of the month, I’ll be OK. I can have a home and live like everyone else.”

He added: “I’m 49 years old – it’s not like I’m 60 or 80. For me, it’s tragic that I’ve ended up this way.”