About 100 people who have been
evicted from their homes have taken refuge in Rome's Basilica of
Santa Maria Maggiore and on Wednesday begged for help from Pope
Francis.
The men, women and children camping out in one of Rome's
popular tourist destinations say they will not leave the
basilica, located near the city's main Termini train station,
until a housing solution is found.
"We are marginalized, poor and outcasts but we know the
sacredness of our lives," says the letter to the pope, who often
speaks out about the need to care for the less fortunate in the
world.
"We are here in the house of God to ask for help," says the
letter, adding that the Italian government has "declared war" on
the homeless.
Loud and large demonstrations in Italy's capital have
highlighted concerns about the lack of affordable housing in
Rome.
Some became violent, vandalizing government offices as they
pressed for social housing and fewer austerity measures.
"We are afraid for ourselves, and especially for our
children," says the letter.
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