UCA News
Contribute

Letter from Rome: A day in my 'coronated' life at the Vatican

The Holy See Press Office has been a welcome refuge during the Covid-19 lockdown
Letter from Rome: A day in my 'coronated' life at the Vatican

A homeless man wearing a protective mask lies asleep on the pavement in Rome's central Piazza Venezia on April 17 during a lockdown aimed at curbing the spread of Covid-19. (Photo: AFP)

Published: May 04, 2020 05:05 AM GMT
Updated: May 04, 2020 05:05 AM GMT

Ionel is my newest friend in Rome. But he was so out-of-his-mind crazy with rage one day last week that I had to keep my distance.

He had left his place to go get some food, but when he came back everything he owned was gone. And he was so angry, almost to the point of becoming violent, that it was useless to even try to talk to him at that moment.

Ionel is a homeless Romanian migrant of perhaps 35 or 40 years of age who suffers from diabetes and probably other ailments, both physical and psychological. He lives on the streets around the Vatican.

And during the coronavirus lockdown he's made his home of cardboard boxes, blankets and a satchel of personal items in an outer nook of a floor-to-ceiling store window.

Click here to read the full article

Help UCA News to be independent
Dear reader,
Lent is the season during which catechumens make their final preparations to be welcomed into the Church.
Each year during Lent, UCA News presents the stories of people who will join the Church in proclaiming that Jesus Christ is their Lord. The stories of how women and men who will be baptized came to believe in Christ are inspirations for all of us as we prepare to celebrate the Church's chief feast.
Help us with your donations to bring such stories of faith that make a difference in the Church and society.
A small contribution of US$5 will support us continue our mission…
William J. Grimm
Publisher
UCA News
Asian Bishops
Latest News
UCA News Catholic Dioceses in Asia
UCA News Catholic Dioceses in Asia
UCA News Catholic Dioceses in Asia