“Oh, how I would like a poor Church, and for the poor.” These words spoken by Pope Francis several days after his election exemplified his mission to reach out to those in most need.
As Papal Almoner, Archbishop Konrad Krajewski assists the Holy Father in carrying out that mission. In a meeting with several journalists, the Polish prelate gave a glimpse as to the work he fulfills for the Pope.
From visiting the poor seeking shelter in the streets of Rome to visiting families in need of consolation, Archbishop Krajewski’s duties vary depending on what he receives from the Pope.
One such example was that of an elderly woman who wrote to the Pope saying that someone stole €54 from her. The Holy Father forwarded the letter to the archbishop who then wrote her a check for €200.
Another example was the case of Noemi Sciaretta, an 18 month old girl suffering from spinal muscular atrophy. Faced with no hope for a cure for their daughter, Sciaretta’s father wrote to Pope Francis. After a visit by Archbishop Krajewski, Noemi’s condition worsened.
The Holy Father invited the family to the Vatican to meet with Pope Francis and were invited to spend the night at the Holy Father’s residence at Casa Santa Marta. The following day, the Holy Father gave his weekly General Audience where he led pilgrims in prayer for the little girl.
«This is the concept: Be with people and share their lives, even for 15, 30 minutes, an hour,» Archbishop Krajewski said, according to a report by AP.
