Francis wanted a church of the poor and put it into practice

Throughout its papacy, Francis was a frank defender of the oppressed. Shortly after being elected in 2013, he said: “How I would like a poor church and for the poor.”

But Francis, who died Monday at 88, did not only pay the lip service.

When the vehicle carrying his coffin stops at the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, where he will be buried on Saturday, a group of “poor and needy” people will wait for the steps, said the Vatican this week. After all, added the declaration, the pope “had chosen the name of Francis to never forget them.” Saint Francis of Assisi has renounced his wealth to live in poverty.

Marginalized groups will be present during the funeral, the Vatican said on Friday.

On Wednesday, one of the first people to pay tribute when Francis was brought to the Saint-Pierre Basilica on Wednesday was the sister Geneviève Jeanningros, who had until last year in a motorhome in a fair field outside of Rome, serving those who needed it. She was in regular contact with Francis, who visited the fairground, and images of her crying in front of her coffin moved.

Closer to his own house, Francis “strongly supported” the transformation of the Vatican post office office located on the right side of the Colonnade de Saint-Pierre in a free medical clinic for homeless and undocumented migrants. The clinic opened in 2018 and on average 100 visits per day, said its director, Dr. Massimo Ralli.

“It puts the Gospel into practice because taking care of people is one aspects of the charity,” said Dr. Ralli. “It therefore absolutely reflects the message of the Holy Father at least.”