Pope Francis became an ice cream man on Monday and distributed 3,000 servings of gelato to the homeless and needy on his name day.
Francis, as is traditional for popes, does not celebrate his birthday but celebrates instead the feast day of the saint for whom he was named, which in Francis’ case is the feast of St. George since he was born Jorge Mario Bergoglio. Instead of receiving gifts, Francis celebrated his name day by giving the gift of 3,000 ice cream treats to “the most needy and homeless of Rome,” according to The Independent.
The Office of Papal Charities in the Vatican issued a statement saying that the gelato treats were distributed in Francis’ name to those who use shelters, soup kitchens, and health facilities designed to serve the homeless, according to Vatican News. Ice cream treats for Francis’ name day is a unique gift, though the pontiff has often made a point of serving the homeless and impoverished on that day. Francis has treated the homeless to private tours of the Vatican and seats at the circus as his guests on past name days. He has also provided them with free sleeping bags, showers, and barber and laundry services.
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