Vatican Engages in Retail Therapy in Italian Earthquake Areas to Boost Local Economy
Vatican Purchases Produce from Earthquake-Stricken Farmers to Aid Rome's Poor
In a show of solidarity and support, the Vatican has purchased produce from small farmers in Central Italy, who were affected by the devastating earthquakes in 2016. Archbishop Konrad Krajewski, in charge of managing papal charities, made the purchases at the express wish of the Pope.
The first 6.2 magnitude quake hit in the early hours of Aug. 24, 2016, causing extensive damage in the region. A second 6.6 magnitude quake followed near the same area on Oct. 30, leaving many people without homes or livelihoods.
Archbishop Krajewski visited the earthquake zones to make the purchases. He was accompanied by the bishops of each city he visited, including Bishop Domenico Pompili of Rieti, Bishop Giovanni D'Ercole F.D.P. of Ascoli Piceno, Bishop Francesco Giovanni Brugnaro of Camerino-San Severino Marche, and Bishop Renato Boccardo of Spoleto-Norcia.
The bishops identified groups of farmers or producers whose stores were at risk of closing due to damages caused by the earthquakes. The produce was used to feed the poor and homeless in Rome, with the purchases made with the intention of supporting the local economy and helping those affected by the earthquakes.
The papal almoner stated that the decision to shop from small farmers is consistent with Pope Francis's teachings, who emphasizes that "when one doesn't earn their bread, dignity is lost." The produce was immediately distributed in different soup kitchens around Rome.
In February 2017, Archbishop Krajewski supported small farmers from the southern Italian region of Calabria by purchasing their products to distribute to homeless and needy people in Rome. Annona, the supermarket inside Vatican City, has also been selling products from the earthquake zones to support and help the local economy.
However, no new information was provided on the ongoing efforts to support the poor and homeless in Rome with the produce. The communique did not mention any specific locations where the produce was distributed, nor did it provide details on the extent of the Pope's involvement in the purchasing decisions beyond the fact that it was made at his express wish.
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