Pope prays for German homeless man found dead near St. Peter’s

By Vatican News staff writer

Pope Francis has prayed for Burkhard Scheffler, a German homeless man who died on a cold night close to St. Peter's Basilica.

Responding to questions from journalists, Matteo Bruni, Director of the Holy See Press Office, said the following:

"With sorrow, Pope Francis learned of the death of Burkhard Scheffler last night near the colonnade of St. Peter's Basilica.

Mr. Scheffler was born in 1961 in Germany and lived on the streets of Rome, cared for by the charity and assistance efforts of the Dicastery for the Service of Charity. Unfortunately, the past few nights of cold and rain contributed to the fragile nature of his condition, already affected by homelessness.

In his prayer, the Pope remembers Burkhard and all those who are forced to live without a home, in Rome and around the world, and invites the faithful to join him. The Apostolic Almoner, Cardinal Krajewski, who is in Assisi for a pilgrimage, entrusts Burkhard to the intercession of St. Francis."