The Vatican is expanding its efforts in caring for the most vulnerable. In 2015, at the request of Pope Francis, a clinic was created to provide medical care to homeless people.
Now, free dental care will also be offered. The Dicastery for the Service to Charity signed an agreement with the UniCamillus University and the Our Lady of Trust clinic, which will give free dental treatment to the poor who request it. This service will be launched this September.
More than 14,000 health services are provided annually by this Mother of Mercy clinic. In total, nearly 60 people—including doctors, nurses and volunteers—attend to over 6,000 patients each year.
This is not the only initiative of the Vatican that is aimed to help the homeless. In December, for the fourth consecutive year, several caravans were set up in St. Peter's Square as "field hospitals" to care for the homeless on the occasion of the World Day of the Poor.
"We offer a complete check-up for those most in need, which includes the assistance of a doctor and an initial analysis to understand the problem," Dr. Laura di Benedetto said.
Headed by Cardinal Krajewski, the Dicastery for the Service of Charity works on behalf of the pope to assist the most vulnerable.