Pope Francis sends 15,000 ice creams to inmates in Rome prisons

Pope sends 15,000 ice creams to Rome prisoners

Pope Francis sent 15,000 ice-creams to prisoners to help them cool down during what has been one of the hottest summers on record in Italy.

The ice-creams were delivered to Rome’s two prisons – Regina Coeli in the centre of the city and Rebibbia on the outskirts – by the Vatican’s almoner, Cardinal Konrad Krajewski.

In a statement, the Vatican said the pope’s charities office “did not go on holiday” this summer. Instead, Vatican volunteers spent their time “continuing to devote themselves, among other things to two of the seven works of mercy: visiting prisoners and consoling the afflicted”.

The Vatican said its charities office has not taken a vacation this summer and that other services have been provided, like COVID-19 tests and vaccinations.

Last month, Francis urged all people to get vaccinated, saying that receiving the coronavirus vaccine is an act of love and is the quickest route to end the pandemic.