Pope Francis is asking the diocese of Rome to help alleviate a growing housing crisis in the Eternal City.
VIDEO: $1.27 million New Braunfels home has its own lazy riverOutdoor ice rinks to bring holiday cheer to San Antonio and surrounding areasFILE - Pope Francis arrives in St. Peter's Square on the occasion of the weekly general audience at the Vatican, Wednesday, Nov. 6, 2024.
Francis has written to the city's church leaders and religious order priests for any available church properties to be used for the homeless or residents facing possible eviction because of rising rents.The letter reflected something of the paradox facing the Vatican: Francis’ yearlong jubilee is expected to bring more than 30 million pilgrims to Rome to celebrate the Holy Year.
That demand, in turn, has only accelerated the trend of local residents moving out or being priced out as owners turn their properties over to short-term property agents, such as Airbnb and other platforms that cater to tourists. It's a trend that is happening in other Italian cities,In his letter, Francis noted that Rome’s Catholic institutions were preparing to provide shelter to millions of pilgrims for the jubilee.
“I want all diocesan realities that own real estate to offer their contribution to stem the housing emergency with signs of charity and solidarity to generate hope in the thousands of people in the city of Rome who are in a condition of precarious housing,” Francis wrote. The Catholic Church is a major property owner in Rome, with a portfolio including commercial and residential real estate as well as church-owned convents and monasteries.Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Pope asks Church of Rome to help address housing crisis ahead of Holy Year in 2025Pope Francis is asking the diocese of Rome to help alleviate a growing housing crisis in the Eternal City. Francis wants any available church properties to be used for the homeless or those facing possible eviction because of rising rents.
Read more »
Pope asks Church of Rome to help address housing crisis ahead of Holy Year in 2025Pope Francis is asking the diocese of Rome to help alleviate a growing housing crisis in the Eternal City.
Read more »
In 'Conclave,' a quest to elect a new pope leads down some less-than-holy pathwaysStarring Ralph Fiennes and set within the private inner sanctum of the Vatican, the movie treats the papal balloting like a thriller.
Read more »
A thriller about electing a pope draws crowds at the Rome Film Festival near the VaticanWith Pope Francis a few weeks away from his 88th birthday, the plotting for his successor is well underway at the Vatican.
Read more »
A thriller about electing a pope draws crowds at the Rome Film Festival near the VaticanWith Pope Francis a few weeks away from his 88th birthday, the plotting for his successor is well underway at the Vatican.
Read more »
A thriller about electing a pope draws crowds at the Rome Film Festival near the VaticanWith Pope Francis a few weeks away from his 88th birthday, the plotting for his successor is well underway at the Vatican. How timely then, that just across town in Rome, “Conclave,” a thriller filled with back-stabbing, manipulative cardinals quick to toss morality out the window, is a top draw at the Rome Film Festival.
Read more »