Pope has lunch with poor in unforgettable moment of friendship

By Vatican News

Awaiting Pope Francis after he finished his Sunday Angelus, the guests gathered in the Paul VI Hall made up of the poor and their companions later greeted the Pope while enjoying a Sunday lunch. Over 1,200 people in all came for the lunch that transformed the Hall into a large and unique restaurant for the customary annual lunch with Pope Francis on the World Day of the Poor.

The Pope began the lunch with a blessing when he thanked the Lord for this "moment of friendship, all together", for the meal, and for those who prepared it. The tables adorned with white and yellow flowers offered a colourful backdrop for images capturing an unforgettable moment of welcome, concern, care and love for all those who for the rest of the year live on the streets.

The Dicastery for the Service of Charity organized the event, while Hilton Hotels offered the lunch, dedicating special attention to the menu so that the meal could be enjoyed by people of various faith backgrounds present. On the menu were cannelloni with Roman ricotta and spinach with a Parmigiano Reggiano sauce, sautéed white meatballs with a velouté of San Marzano tomatoes and basil with a cauliflower purée, followed by Tiramisù and small pastry desserts. 

Before leaving, the Pope thanked all those for making the lunch possible and for creating a festive atmosphere.