Rome, Nov. 16, 2018: Pope Francis visited St Peter’s Square on November 16 and requested for a first Aid station there.

The initiative, supported by the Pontifical Council for promoting New Evangelisation, aims to offer medical attention to those most in need. The walk-in-clinic is open from 8 am to 10 pm, and offers free medical examinations and care to the poor.

Just two days ahead of the Second World Day of the Poor, celebrated on November 18, Pope Francis took the surprise visit as an opportunity to chat to medical assistants and patients, even joking with a group of people while they waited to receive medical attention.

Pope Francis brought attention to the Second World Day of the Poor after Sunday’s Angelus, expressing his hope that the day “will encourage greater attention to the needs of the least and the marginalized.”

(source: Vatican News)