hand and heart

The recent post office troubles have impacted our regular fundraising efforts. Please consider supporting the Register and Catholic journalism by using one of the methods below:

  • Donate online
  • Donate by e-transfer to accounting@catholicregister.org
  • Donate by telephone: 416-934-3410 ext. 406 or toll-free 1-855-441-4077 ext. 406
The shoes of Pope Francis are seen as he conducts a general audience in the Paul VI hall at the Vatican on March 16, 2013.
The shoes of Pope Francis are seen as he conducts a general audience in the Paul VI hall at the Vatican on March 16, 2013. RNS photo/courtesy of Reuters/Max Rossi

Frugal Pope Francis spotted shoes shopping in Rome

By  Josephine McKenna, Religion News Service
  • December 21, 2016

ROME – As cardinal archbishop of Buenos Aires, he took the subway. Then as Pope, he went out to buy his own eyeglasses. And now he picked up a pair of shoes.

Pope Francis caused a sensation after he left the Vatican late Tuesday (Dec. 20) and showed up in a pharmacy in the heart of Rome.

Shop assistants and customers were astonished to see the 80-year-old pontiff there to purchase a pair of orthopedic shoes he needs to relieve pain caused by chronic sciatica.

The leader of the world’s 1.2 billion Roman Catholics blessed an employee’s crucifix and happily posed for selfies and videos.

Rome resident Martina Duarte posted her delight on her Facebook page with a video of the Pope and the caption: “A Tuesday with the Pope … my love I am incredibly proud of you!”

“A Pope who goes to buy himself a pair of orthopedic shoes is like any citizen. A man among the people!” tweeted another fan.

Since his election in 2013 the former Jorge Bergoglio has made a point of leading a simple life, shunning the opulent papal apartments for a modest room in his residence, carrying his own briefcase and traveling in a simple Ford Fiesta.

Tagged under:

Related items

More in this category: « Pope Francis names first woman to head Vatican Museums Pope Francis at Midnight Mass: Want to see God this Christmas? Be humble »

Please support The Catholic Register

Unlike many media companies, The Catholic Register has never charged readers for access to the news and information on our website. We want to keep our award-winning journalism as widely available as possible. But we need your help.

For more than 125 years, The Register has been a trusted source of faith-based journalism. By making even a small donation you help ensure our future as an important voice in the Catholic Church. If you support the mission of Catholic journalism, please donate today. Thank you.

DONATE