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About 600 of the 1,400 people who received a first dose several
weeks ago got their second shot on Friday.
Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio 82 years ago in Buenos
Aires, spent about 30 minutes chatting with some of the
recipients, many from the area around the Vatican.
He offered them food and sweets including chocolate Easter eggs,
according to a statement and Vatican images of the event.
The Vatican also has begun a campaign that allows donors to
contribute, via the website of the Vatican almoner's office, the
cost of a vaccine destined for people in poor countries.
Called "vaccino sospeso" (suspended vaccine), it takes its name
from the tradition of the "caffe sospeso" in Naples whereby
people leave money to pay for a coffee for a needy person whose
identity is known only to the bartender.
Francis, who has been vaccinated, as has former Pope Benedict,
93, has said getting a shot is the ethical choice unless there
are serious medical reasons not to.
Under Francis, the Vatican has set up a number of structures to
help Rome's homeless population, including a clinic, bathing
facilities and hair-cutting services.
(Reporting By Philip Pullella; editing by John Stonestreet)
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