Advertisement
Become a member of the Big Issue community
JOIN
News

Pope Francis prays for 'extraordinary' street papers hit by Covid-19 crisis

The pontiff has been generous with his time for street papers in the past and offered his “message of encouragement and fraternal friendship” in these difficult times

Pope Francis has told The Big Issue and its sister titles all around the world that they will “come back stronger than before” as they fight for survival during the Covid-19 lockdown.

The pontiff’s message of solidarity was included in his daily bulletin today as he recognised that vendors are no longer able to sell the magazine on the streets.

As The Big Issue has reported in recent weeks, that impact has been felt globally by street papers, not least at Scarp de’ tenis – the Italian street paper was singled out for special attention by Pope Francis.

I am sure that the large global network of street newspapers will come back stronger than before

He also praised street papers for the “stories of hope [they] tell” in a much-needed rallying cry.

The head of the Catholic church said in his bulletin: “The life of millions of people, in our world that is already gripped by many difficult challenges to face and oppressed by the pandemic, has changed and has been put to a harsh test. Those who are most fragile, the invisible, those without fixed abode, risk paying the heaviest price.

“I would therefore like to greet the world of street newspapers and especially their vendors, who are for the most part homeless; people who are gravely marginalised, unemployed: thousands of people who throughout the world earn a living and have a job thanks to the sales of these extraordinary newspapers.

Advertisement
Advertisement

“In Italy, I think of the good experience of Scarp de’ tenis, the Caritas project that enables more than 130 people in difficulty to have an income and as a result, access to fundamental citizens’ rights. And not only this. I think of the experience of more than 100 street newspapers throughout the world, published in 35 different countries and in 25 different languages, and which guarantee employment and an income to more than 20,500 homeless people worldwide. For many weeks street newspapers have not been sold, and their vendors are unable to work. I therefore wish to express my closeness to the journalists, to the volunteers, and to those who earn a living thanks to these projects and who in these times are hard at work with many innovative ideas. The pandemic has made your work difficult but I am sure that the large global network of street newspapers will come back stronger than before. Looking at the poorest, in these days, can help us all to be aware of what is truly happening to us, and of our true condition. I send you all my message of encouragement and fraternal friendship. Thank you for the work you do, for the information you give, and for the stories of hope you tell.”

Pope Francis
Pope Francis 2015 cover

Pope Francis has always been generous with his time when it comes to street papers.

He was a Big Issue cover star in 2015 as we joined forces with other street papers to secure a rare exclusive interview with Pope Francis. Marc, a former magazine vendor from Dutch street paper Straatnieuws, had the honour of sitting down with the Pope in the Vatican.

Marc meets Pope Francis
Straatnieuws' Marc meets Pope Francis in 2015

And in 2017 we ran another interview with the pontiff, this time conducted by Scarp de’ tenis paper vendor Antonio Minnini.

Following his latest support for street papers, Maree Aldam, chief executive of the International Network of Street Papers, said: “The International Network of Street Papers is pleased to once again have the vocal support of Pope Francis, especially as the world’s most vulnerable and marginalised people face uncertain times ahead while society fights back against this pandemic.

“It is essential that world and community leaders of all stripes come together in solidarity to raise up those in poverty, and back the organisations – like street papers – that do such great work in helping those most in need.”

To support Big Issue vendors through the coronavirus crisis, you can subscribe to receive the magazine digitally or in print – head to bigissue.com/subscribe for details – or pick up a copy in Sainsbury’s, McColl’s, Co-op, Asda or WH Smith stores. You can also subscribe or download directly to your device from our new Big issue app, available from the App Store or Google Play.

Advertisement

Become a Big Issue member

3.8 million people in the UK live in extreme poverty. Turn your anger into action - become a Big Issue member and give us the power to take poverty to zero.

Recommended for you

View all
Carol Vorderman on voting Tory in 2010 – and regretting it: 'I hadn't got a clue what was coming'
Politics

Carol Vorderman on voting Tory in 2010 – and regretting it: 'I hadn't got a clue what was coming'

John McDonnell fears 'people will lose their lives' if Labour cuts benefits in autumn budget
john mcdonnell
Exclusive

John McDonnell fears 'people will lose their lives' if Labour cuts benefits in autumn budget

Council tax debt collectors 'significantly harming' health of those struggling to pay, report finds
a man with an empty wallet
Council tax

Council tax debt collectors 'significantly harming' health of those struggling to pay, report finds

How Putin's war in Ukraine has pushed millions into homelessness: 'We must tackle this crisis'
Depaul International staff working in Ukraine
Homelessness

How Putin's war in Ukraine has pushed millions into homelessness: 'We must tackle this crisis'

Most Popular

Read All
Renters pay their landlords' buy-to-let mortgages, so they should get a share of the profits
Renters: A mortgage lender's window advertising buy-to-let products
1.

Renters pay their landlords' buy-to-let mortgages, so they should get a share of the profits

Exclusive: Disabled people are 'set up to fail' by the DWP in target-driven disability benefits system, whistleblowers reveal
Pound coins on a piece of paper with disability living allowancve
2.

Exclusive: Disabled people are 'set up to fail' by the DWP in target-driven disability benefits system, whistleblowers reveal

Cost of living payment 2024: Where to get help now the scheme is over
next dwp cost of living payment 2023
3.

Cost of living payment 2024: Where to get help now the scheme is over

Strike dates 2023: From train drivers to NHS doctors, here are the dates to know
4.

Strike dates 2023: From train drivers to NHS doctors, here are the dates to know