Homeless to get haircut and shave at the Vatican

The service will be provided by volunteer barbers every Monday, a day when hairdressers across Italy traditionally close, from February 16th, Ansa reported.

The initiative follows the installation of toilets and showers for the homeless within the tiny city-state, a move that came about after a homeless man from Sardinia turned down a dinner invitation from Archbishop Konrad Krajewski, the Vatican almoner, because he “smelled”.

These services will also be provided in renovated premises under the colonnades of St Peter’s Square from February 16th, Ansa said.

Meanwhile, a dozen parishes in Rome have also installed showers, paid for by Pope Francis.

Krajewski was appointed almoner – a centuries-old role that involves helping the poor and needy – in November 2013.

Known as ‘Don Corrado’, he has been taking aid and provisions to the homeless for years, which is why he was chosen by the Pope.