Pope Francis makes ‘Mercy Friday’ visit to children’s home

The visit to Rome’s SOS Children’s Village came as part of the Pope’s commitment to the Year of Mercy

Continuing his monthly Year of Mercy visits to people in vulnerable situations, Pope Francis went to Rome’s SOS Children’s Village, a small community for the care of under-12 children whose parents cannot look after them.
During the visit on Friday, the Pope heard stories from the centre’s staff and children, and was given a tour of the grounds.

When Pope Francis announced the Year of Mercy, he said that he would try each month in private to fulfil one of the works of mercy.
Pope Francis visited the neonatal unit of a Rome hospital last month, then went to a hospice, spending time with people who are dying and with their loved ones.
Since December 2015, the Pope’s Mercy Friday visits have included spending time with migrants, the aged, at a recovery community for former drug addicts and at a shelter for women rescued from human trafficking and prostitution.