Brazilian cardinal invites homeless to celebrate his birthday

Rio de Janeiro's cardinal spent 66th birthday with homeless people

Cardinal Orani Tempesta speaks with a homeless man on the cardinal's birthday June 22.  (Photo Credit: Archdiocese of Rio)

Cardinal Orani Tempesta spent his 66th birthday a little differently than most people. His celebratory companions were homeless people on the streets of Rio de Janeiro.

"The cardinal offered gifts, blankets, milk and coffee, and listened to their stories," the archdiocese news brief said. The cardinal was able to learn up close about the reality of those who live and sleep on the streets."

The cardinal set out to the downtown area around 11:00 p.m., after a previous birthday celebration June 22. The archdiocese mentioned the effort was inspired by the Jubilee Year of Mercy, as well as a refection of the fourth corporal work of mercy: to clothe the naked.

For more information on Cardinal Tempesta by Catholic News Agency, click here.