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Francis’ tribute to Capuchin order helping the homeless

The Pope has paid tribute to the dignity of the homeless as he kissed a baby at a day centre in Dublin.

The Capuchin religious order runs a lifeline service for those without shelter and in need of food and infant supplies.

Bella Rose, 11 months old, came face-to-face with the pontiff at the centre where her mum, Candice Hartigan, 37, said: “He blessed all the children but she was the only one that got the kiss.”

Talking about the centre, she said: “They ask you nothing, they don’t ask why you want something, they don’t ask why you want to be fed.

“You just put your name down and that is it.”

Addressing a gathering of the disadvantaged who use the centre, the Pope thanked them for trusting the Capuchin fathers.

Brother Kevin Crowley, a co-director at the centre, said: “The message he gave was that we should show dignity and respect to every person in need.”

He said not enough houses were available in Dublin and urged the Irish Government to “get its act together” and build more homes.

Fr Bryan Shortall, a Capuchin parish priest, said the leader of the world’s Catholics said some beautiful things to the friars and the homeless.

He added: “The Pope was affirming Brother Kevin and Fr Sean in what they do in the day centre, because they ask no questions, they literally have an open door, people are welcome, people will not be queried or get the third degree or quizzed, they will be welcomed.

“It was a wonderful occasion, a wonderful experience and something I am never going to forget.”

THANKS LOVE AND LAUGHTERW With senior clergymen