The Vatican has opened another centre to support people in need.
The "Laundry of St Francis of Assisi" in Parma was inaugurated on Thursday by Cardinal Konrad Krajewski, the papal social welfare representative, as announced by his dicastery.
It offers poor and homeless people everything they need for personal hygiene and laundry free of charge.
This is already the seventh "laundry" of its kind, which was created on the initiative of Pope Francis (2013-2025).
The first was set up in Rome near the Vatican in 2017, followed by others in Genoa, Turin, Naples, Catania and San Ferdinando (Reggio Calabria). The initiative is supported by a US manufacturer of detergents and hygiene products.
St Francis of Assisi a model of fraternity
The centre is named after Saint Francis, patron saint of Italy and a model of biblical poverty and universal fraternity, as it is said.
Pope Leo XIV described the "Poverello" in his first Apostolic Letter as "the shining figure who will always inspire us".
St Francis of Assisi (around 1181-1226) is one of the most important figures in the Catholic Church. His ideal of radical poverty characterised religious orders such as the Franciscans, Capuchins and Poor Clares.
Pope Francis chose his name in memory of the saint, who is regarded as a symbol of humility and simplicity.
The 800th anniversary of his death will be commemorated with major celebrations next year.