On his name day, Pope Francis has celebrated again with the poor. In a brief statement from the Holy See Press Office today, April 23, the Feast Day of St. George, the Pontiff, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio, went again to the Vatican’s Paul VI Hall where poor and needy were waiting for their vaccines being offered to them at the Vatican at no cost.

“Shortly after 10:30 am today, on his Name-Day,” the statement began, “Pope Francis went to the foyer of Paul VI Hall to visit needy people, welcomed and accompanied by some Roman Associations, waiting to be vaccinated.”

It noted that the 84-year-old Pope greeted those present along the way from the entrance to the waiting area after being vaccinated.

“At the end of the way he paused to offer a chocolate egg, which was given to all the volunteer personnel, respecting the health measures provided.”

Before leaving, those present sang a song for the Holy Father’s Name-Day, “while he paused to speak with some volunteers in a festive and affectionate atmosphere, thanking them and encouraging them to “continue in the commitment!”

“Through the Office of Papal Charities, the Holy Father expressed words of gratitude to all those that contributed to these vaccinations and those making it also possible for the vaccines to reach needy in some of the poorest countries.

Pope Francis returned to his residence Casa Santa Marta shortly after 11:00 am.

Today, just under 600 people will be vaccinated out of the 1400 needy people to whom the first dose was administered in the past weeks.

All photos are Vatican Media Copyright.