Pope Francis held a lunch today for the 12 refugees he brought to Rome from Lesbos in April, and another nine refugees whom the Vatican helped bring to Rome in June.
The refugees ate with the Pope at the Domus Sanctae Marthae, where the Holy Father lives. Also at lunch were Archbishop Angelo Becciu; members of the Sant’Egidio lay community, who are housing and resettling the 21 refugees at Vatican expense; and three members of the Vatican police force who helped to bring the Syrian families across from Lesbos.
The lunch gave the Holy Father an opportunity to catch up with the new residents of Rome and hear how they are coping with life in Italy.
Greg Burke, Vatican spokesperson, said both the adults and the children talked to the Pope about beginning their new lives. He said: “The children gave the Holy Father a collection of their drawings, and the Pope reciprocated with toys and other gifts.”
Of the 21 refugees, one married couple is Christian, the others are Muslim.
VIDEO: Footage from the lunch
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