Pope Francis held a special mass at St Peter's Basilica on Sunday, offering homeless people VIP seats near the central altar. During the service, the pontiff stressed the need to avoid exclusionary views that reject those in need, as cardinals and other prelates in bright green vestments also attended.
The pope elaborated on his recent calls for social inclusion, at a time when politicians advocating exclusionary policies toward migrants are gaining popularity in several developed countries. He warned against growing accustomed to rejection, stating, 'It is ominous that we are growing used to this rejection.'
Francis urged the faithful to remain aware of suffering around them, saying, 'We should be worried when our consciences are anaesthetised and we no longer see the brother or sister suffering at our side.' He described a focus on material goods over love as a 'symptom of spiritual sclerosis.'
The event followed a special benefit concert on Saturday night at the Vatican, where homeless people were guests of honour. Composer Ennio Morricone, 88, who won an Oscar this year for his work on The Hateful Eight, premiered a short composition called God, One of Us and conducted the orchestra playing some of his most famous film scores.
