Pope visits drug-treatment center as part of ‘Friday of mercy’ initiative

February 29, 2016

Pope Francis made an unannounced visit on February 26 to the San Carlo community, a treatment facility for drug addicts operated by the Italian Center for Solidarity.

Accompanied by Archbishop Rino Fisichella, the president of the Pontifical Council for the Promotion of the New Evangelization, Pope Francis spoke with each of the approximately five dozen residents of the community, which was founded by the late Father Mario Picchi in 1979.

During the jubilee year of mercy, the Pope has set aside a monthly “Friday of mercy” to perform such works in mercy. On December 18, he visited a homeless shelter, and on January 15, he visited a nursing home and a home where family members offer continuous care to those diagnosed to be in a persistent vegetative state.

 

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Further information:

• “Venerdì della Misericordia” di Papa Francesco, 26.02.2016 (Holy See Press Office)
• Papa Francesco a sorpresa in visita alla Comunità San Carlo del CeIS per i “venerdì della misericordia” (Centro Italiano di Solidarietà)
• Pope makes surprise visit to San Carlo community (Vatican Radio)